title: Comparison of 3 methods of onychectomy.
abstract: The frequency of claw regrowth, bony remnants, and complications in cats that underwent forelimb onychectomy using laser, scalpel, or guillotine techniques were evaluated. Eighty-seven client-owned cats were recruited from 27 veterinary clinics in the Canadian Atlantic provinces. At least 1 year after onychectomy the cats underwent a physical examination, gait analysis, and radiographic evaluation by 1 of 2 authors. There was no significant difference in the frequency of claw regrowth among the 3 methods (P = 0.283). Significantly more cats had bony remnants following guillotine onychectomy (P < 0.001). Bony remnants were significantly associated with claw regrowth (P = 0.001). Cats that underwent laser onychectomy had significantly less post-operative complications (P = 0.023). The long-term outcome was not significantly different among the 3 methods. We conclude that leaving remnants of the third phalanx in situ is associated with an increased frequency of claw regrowth. Laser onychectomy may be preferred to reduce the risk of post-operative complications, bony remnants, and claw regrowth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3.
authors.forename: Kyle
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3.
authors.forename: Trina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rist
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 4P3.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matthews
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000601:surgery*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000662:veterinary*; D013522:Surgery, Veterinary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome