30 September, 2014

American Veterinary Medical Association Has Updated It's Stance on De-Claw...or has it?


"FOR MORE INFORMATION
​​​Michael San Filippo
Phone: 847-285-6687
Cell: 847-732-6194

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

  7/28/2014

 AVMA amends declaw policy to stress client education, alternative options

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has amended its policy on the declawing of domestic cats to clarify that the procedure is a major surgery that should only be performed after alternatives have been sought to prevent destructive clawing.
The revised policy describes onychectomy (declawing) as an “amputation” and stresses the importance of client education about normal feline scratching behaviors, what the procedure involves, and alternatives to declawing.
While declawing should not be the first option when trying to prevent unwanted scratching, there may be situations where declawing may be necessary to keep pets together with their families or to prevent euthanasia. Cats with claws may present an increased risk of injury or disease to those whose skin integrity may be compromised (e.g., the elderly, diabetics) or those who are immunocompromised (e.g., those living with HIV/AIDS). 
The AVMA believes the decision to perform declawing rests with the owner, in consultation with their veterinarian. What is decided is dependent on each situation; however, with multiple alternatives available, declawing should remain an option of last resort for veterinarians and pet owners. 
The revised policy is consistent with the policies of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association.
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8 comments:

  1. I do wish the USA would outlaw declawing. http://15andmeowing.com
    Please stop by our party if you have time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree, it's a pretty weak statement. But it's better than nothing and hopefully the first step in the right direction.

    (and yes, your captcha is a pain in the you-know-what. I saw your comment on Caren& Cody's blog. I don't know if you can do it on blogger, but I have my blog set to moderate first-time commenters only.)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would hope that vets would step up to the plate on this matter--surely they are aware of the cruelty this procedure and are in the best position to stop it. Beyond that, maybe the NRA has a plan to arm all cats.

    BTW, we don't mind your captcha--at least we can always read the numbers!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree there are still too much room for allowing the procedure. It sounds more to be just a pose in response to the voices for outlawing declawing. Still, I believe those voices are heard and awareness are raising. I hope this is a step forward to eventually outlaw it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. guys...what we dont get, N granted we iz knot de sharpest tax in de pack age oh nails...iz de bit a bout:

    enter copee N paste pleez.....

    to prevent euthanasia... ???? uh, sew like is it just us or what....if ya gotta euthanize a kitteh over claws we gotta butt load oh suggestionz bout what ta due ta peepulz whooz fingernails be ____________________ long.....

    faaaaaaaaaaaaa



    signed...uz catz

    ReplyDelete
  6. They really need to step up and outlaw declawing totally.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oops, I just saw your question! I'll see if what you did worked and then respond!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think this is complete BS. The CDC has stopped recommending declawing for people who are ill or have skin issues because the cats turn into biters. In four of the the five cases I met the people in person, the cat had to be put to sleep because they were "never the same" and got aggression issues. So much for "keeping them in their homes and avoiding euthanasia" which is the usual weasely statements they use.

    US Veterinarians should declare they will not perform this as an elective procedure. Period.

    ReplyDelete

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