1. Canine/Feline Clinical Management
Elective surgeries
Canine/Feline Clinical Management

2. Why Tail Dock?
According to the AVMA, tail docking for cosmetic reasons goes back decades
Some breeding clubs/registries favor it
Owners of some breeds of working dogs don’t want their tails long to prevent potential injury
There is no substantial evidence that proves docking tails helps the animal
The procedure is painful
Better done as a neonate
Opinions differ among veterinarians; several clinics (esp. corporate) do not practice the procedure
Happy tail. Schnauzer, Viszla (not full), Spaniels, Dobermans.
Hunting breeds: prevent from getting hurt.
Length is dependent on specific breed.

4. Trauma that can be caused if not removed:
If this happens, they end up having surgery anyway to have it removed. This is done under anesthesia.

5. Tail Docking:
(tail dock)
Tail Dock 4mins

6. Ear cropping:
The dog is evaluated before the procedure to determine the type of cropping and the suitability of the procedure.
It is given anesthesia and the surgical procedure is done to remove the portion of the ear that would normally flop over.
The incision is closed with either staples or sutures, depending on what is best at the time of the procedure.
Done at 6months old. Cartilage needed to help stand them up.

7. Post-operative care:
The ears are sometimes wrapped to help train them to remain up.
They may be given antibiotics and pain relieving medications to help with the recovery.
Ears rewrapped if required. Suture and staple removal will come at a predetermined interval after the surgery is completed
Dogs usually don’t have any long-term complications after the ear cropping procedure.

8. Takes a few weeks for them to stand up on own
Takes a few weeks for them to stand up on own. Cosmetic: a veterinarian that is comfortable doing it.

9. Ear cropping gone bad:
People will have these done in different ways, should be done by a veterinarian. They will do them at home. Breeders will even do it. This could be caused by abscesses and infections.

10. Why Remove Dew Claws?
Most common reason: it is a vestigial digit that can cause problems later
It is often forgotten in routine claw trims which leads to overgrowth
Can get caught or snagged causing injury
Nail overgrowth can puncture paw pad
Some dogs have double dewclaws (Great Pyrenese)
Best done at a young age; procedure on adults takes longer, more expensive; more potential for post-op issues
Some are not even attached with bone.
Vestigial: without a function, they don’t need it.

12. Puppy Dew Claw Removal https://youtu.be/4BvxmEnte44 (dew claw)
Dew Claw 3mins

13. Why Declaw Cats? Scratching people, furniture
Owner does not want to deal with potential issues
Procedure usually performed on young cats
Some clinics have specific requirements before they will consent to perform the sx
Cat has to stay overnight
Expensive procedure ($500 to $900)
Potential for post-op problems
Lameness and pain
Infection
Should NEVER be performed on outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats
Owner should be made aware of their options
Usually done with another procedure. Most of the time spays.
There other options here: Soft paws, you actually glue these on the patient. Not sure how well they work though.
Nail trim and then glue them on. Last 4-6 weeks. Recommend an e-collar at first due to cat trying to chew off.
Take off the portion of where the claw grows from.
Not recommended to do all 4 feet, just the front.

14. Feline Onychectomy https://youtu.be/1W7F_XNmzXg (surgical procedure)
(gel cap procedure)
(3 procedures explained)
Guillotine Method – uses Resco Nail Trimmer; may not get entire bone
Laser Method – seals the edge by burning
Dissecting Method – use a blade to dissect down to bone and cut the 4 ligaments
Alternatives
Teach owners how to trim nails
Gel Caps
Adequate scratching posts
Surgical procedure: 30 seconds
Gel caps/soft paws: 3 mins
3 procedures: 5mins

16. Paper based litter for at least 2 weeks
After care:
Paper based litter for at least 2 weeks
Don’t want litter to get into the incision and cause infection
Patient will be sent home with an anti-inflammatory
E-collar
Onsior: 3 days worth