Although rabbit declawing is a common practice, there are several risks associated with this procedure. This procedure is also illegal in about twenty countries and is not considered humane. Rabbits do not have soft footpads or retractable claws, so they need their claws to provide traction and grip on smooth surfaces. Without their claws, a rabbit is unable to bring its legs under the body or grip the ground.
Alternatives to declawing
While declawing rabbits is still the most common procedure used to prevent rabbits from scratching humans and digging up the house, there are many alternatives to this procedure. Although declawing can be a very painful procedure, it’s not the only one. Other methods include nail trimming, nail training, and nail caps.
While declawing may seem like an easy fix for a rabbit’s unwanted digging habits, it can actually cause more problems than it solves. For starters, declawing is considered cruel to animals, and it can even cause death. In addition, a declawed rabbit can develop postoperative pain, limping, infection, and toe pad calluses. Moreover, one-third of rabbits with declawed claws have behavioral problems.
Another drawback of declawing rabbits is that they have a lesser amount of loose skin on the ends of their toes. This makes them walk on the surgical site more than usual. Declawed rabbits also tend to chew on the surgical site, making them susceptible to infection. Additionally, since declawed rabbits are incapable of cleaning their ears with their back feet, they can develop ear infections.
Although declawing is the most common method used for declawing rabbits, there are many alternatives to this method that can be used to keep your pets healthy and happy. For example, nail caps cover the claw nails with a small plastic envelope that stays in place for four to six weeks. They can be applied by the owner or veterinarian.
Pain associated with declawing
Declawing a rabbit is a painful procedure for both the animal and the pet owner. While declaws are often a convenient way to remove the claws of a pet, declaws are not without their risks. Rabbits that are declawed can experience complications such as back discomfort and infection. They may also develop toe pad calluses and recurrent postoperative pain. The procedure may also cause the animal to regrow its claws under the skin. In such cases, pet owners should consider nail caps.
While cats have retractable claws, rabbits use their claws all the time for traction. Whereas cats only need their claws for walking around the house, rabbits need them to move around. A declawed rabbit will have a difficult time traction and can develop splay leg conditions.
Cats also claw for several reasons, including exercise, stretching muscles, and marking territory. Aside from the physical problems, declawing a rabbit may change the cat’s personality. It can become more introverted and withdrawn. It can also make the animal prone to illness, such as arthritis. Declawing is also considered the most painful surgery performed on pets, and some veterinarians use it as a test to see which medications will reduce the pain.
Although the procedure may be deemed unnecessary, it can be beneficial for both the animal and the owner. With proper training, you can teach your pet how to use its claws without harming them. The Family Pet recommends declawing only when it is absolutely necessary. In fact, declawing is not akin to trimming a fingernail, but a surgical procedure that removes the last joint of each toe.
Joint problems later in life
Rabbits can be declawed for joint problems later in their lives, but this procedure isn’t without risks. The declawing procedure involves amputating the entire phalanx, which includes bones, ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. It is an extremely painful procedure. Similarly, declawing a human finger involves cutting the last joint in the finger, which causes severe pain.
Your veterinarian will begin by reviewing your rabbit’s clinical history, performing a full body examination, and determining whether or not your rabbit has arthritis. They will also watch for signs such as joint deformity, swelling, and ataxia. If your rabbit exhibits any of these symptoms, they will likely need an x-ray to rule out other problems. A veterinarian can also prescribe medication to help manage the pain and inflammation in the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation in the joints and provide pain relief. However, they should be used in small doses, since they may cause gastrointestinal problems.
Alternatives to laser surgery
Although declawing a rabbit is relatively simple, the procedure is painful and can cause long-term side effects. Besides the discomfort, the procedure can also be very expensive. You may need to shell out anywhere from $50 to $100 for the procedure. Laser surgery is another option, but it still has some side effects.
Laser surgery removes the nail by pulling the bone and tendons forward. This reduces the amount of bleeding. It also cuts only the skin, tendons, and ligaments. In addition, the treatment reduces the risk of bladder stones. In addition, laser surgery minimizes the pain, bleeding, and swelling.
Laser declawing may be less painful than traditional declawing, but it can still be painful for some rabbits. Laser declaw surgery also reduces postoperative pain. Unlike conventional methods, it does not cause scarring and virtually eliminates bleeding. The healing process only takes about five days.
Another alternative to laser surgery for rabbit declawing involves cold laser therapy. The cold laser treatment has been used successfully for several rabbit health conditions. It has helped treat discospondylosis, arthritis, skin, ear, and wound healing issues. A cold laser therapy session is usually done twice a week.
Laser surgery can also eliminate bacteria and cells that cause infection and minimize post-operative pain. In addition, laser surgery has fewer side effects than traditional surgeries, and can be performed more quickly. Further, it is less invasive on the surrounding healthy tissue. This results in a quicker recovery time.
Alternatives to tendonectomy
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to tendonectomy for rabbits. The procedure can cause a complication, including brittle nails. Because they can’t throw up, they should not be deprived of food for an extended period. Instead, make sure that your rabbit is tempted to eat as soon as possible.