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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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 85,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine."

The above was copied directly from the AVMA website at https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx.

I dunno about you, but this wording is NOT FORCEFUL ENOUGH; too much wiggle room allowed.  Especially the part where it says, "where declawing may be necessary  to keep pets together with their families or to prevent euthanasia".  This is absurd!!!!!  Guess USA veterinarians would rather perform unnecessary surgery rather than trying to EDUCATE cat owners on how to live with cats!  The Australian Veterinary Associations words are more to my liking, but we'll take this as a step in the right direction!  Onward to OUTLAW!

Australian Veterinary Association Takes a Stand Against De-Clawing!

Relaxed Patty

Patty, photobombing Sweetie...again

Patty's skin is better; he is no longer scratching so hard that he's making sores.  All this from changing his food.  I couldn't be happier, and much appreciation to M & P for helping me choose Plan B's (and for sending supplies!) if the food switch didn't work.

Look at these cuties:

Awwww, right?

Stunning photo

These last two photos were sent by my co-worker, who has a field across the street from her home, and she's discovered a mother cat and three kittens living there.  She and I are planning a TNR project, utilizing All About Animals Rescue.  However, before that, she and her family are trying to find adopters for the kittens.  You KNOW I would be first in line for that little black one, if we weren't already caring for four cats now. But...you never know...!  The mama cat is all black, and the third kitten is whitish beige. We don't know if they are male or female, but an expedition of discovery is set for this afternoon.

Enjoy your weekend, everybody!  Michigan is having such lovely weather, I'm heading outside and don't plan on coming back in until nightfall!  All week at the office, I dream of being OUT; so I'm gonna do it.