CASE STUDIES ON FELINE DECLAWING
Ebony's Story (larger view)
This radiograph of the left paw of a 14-year-old
leopard shows clearly the "pebble in the shoe" effect that often
results from declaw surgery. Instead of just the natural soft paw
pad cushioning the tips of the fingers, a portion of bone sits uncomfortably
under another bone, causing Ebony tremendous pain when she tried
to walk.
Declawed as a cub, by the time Ebony was 8 years old she had given up walking. She spent her days laying in one place, irritable and snarling at anyone who approached. Last year, Ebony had all four feet repaired by the Paw Project veterinarians. Her personality improved remarkably. She now enjoys walking all over the compound and has a very friendly disposition.
