My Recent Experience With Vet Clinic RANT

shanynne

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I'm talking about my local vet clinic. I chose them, because they are 10 mins. from my home. Overall, I did like the care that I got for my cat Rascal. I have some issues concerning the Wellness Plan they offer, but I can talk about that later.

My main issue is that while I was in the exam room waiting for the vet to get back, I started perusing some of their pamphlets. One of the pamphlets I picked up is titled "Your Cat's Health". So I start reading it and come upon a section tilted "Spaying, Neutering, and Declawing". Here's what the vet has to say about declawing:

"Cat owners also must decide whether to declaw their Pets. This surgical procedure involves permanently removing your pet's front claws to protect furniture, other cats, and yourself from scratches"

When I read this I was livid!!! This is encouraging the amputation of cats feet so that one's furniture can be protected?!?!?!!! Oh and let's not forget to make sur your cat will not "injure" another cat, or even worse, accidentally "scratch you!"

When I questioned the vet about this, she agreed that the wording did indeed "sugarcoat" what the actual surgery represented. She said she was with me on the issue, that she had two cats herself. However, she *did not* tell me at any point that she discouraged this procedure from being performed. In fact, she told me that there were certain cases where it was a necessity. Huh??? When can it *ever* be a necessity???

She told me that she performed the surgery only on cats six months or less. That way, she explained, their tendons are much softer and it makes it easier. Also, she explained, she sends the cats home with enough medication in them so that "they won't feel their feet for at least 10 hours". To make matters worse, she seemed particularly proud of that.

I was practically in tears and completely flabbergasted.

However, I did *explain* to her what "declawing" did to a cat, etc. But her answer was still the same, "Well I would rather do it myself, than have someone else do it." How hyprocritical! She should have said, "I'd rather do it myself so that I don't risk losing the person's business if they go somewhere else".

Even the remainder of the staff that was there seemed to think that there was nothing wrong with having a cat declawed and thought that I was some fanatical maniac.

Do you think I'm overreacting? Why are there not vets in this country willing to stand up for the defence of cats?

I am *really very very upset and sick* over this. And, as I said earlier, I really did like the care my cat got, but I honestly don't know if I can continue to go there in good conscience.
 

rang_27

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I have struggled with the same issue at my vets office after my previous cat passed away. She was already declawed so it was not even discussed with me at that time, other than one vet was upset that she had a "Bad declaw job" because she has small pieces of claw growing back through her paw. When I got my first two one of the vet techs looked at me and said "Your not going to declaw them?" in an amzaed voice. The vet at the time looked at her and said, "No she works with a rescue, she would never do that." So I was really happy with that vet. When I got Isaac I checked him in with another vet who tried to talk me into the declaw & after he said that if it became a problem he could take care of it. I finally stoped him & Said, "It's not a problem with the other two cats, it's not going to be a problem with this cat." Then the vet who took care of my first two has cat with all their claws & was understanding of my wish not to declaw. But the vet who tried to talk me into it owns the clinic. When I think about it I get mad, but there are no vets that refuse to declaw & so until I can find one I continue to use that clinic for continuity of care.
 

nes

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WOW! I`ve never had an issue with vets asking me to declaw my cat
.

I`ve said this before about a few things, but at the end of the day vets need to make a living, the bad ones let that get in the way of their practices & their patients health.

I did once have a discussion with the tech about it when I noticed it on their list of services. I got an song & dance about declawing not hurting the cat, I begged to differ and pointed out my elderly cat`s paws and how mushy they were (this happened with all our elderly cats that had been declawed, Riki (
) was only 15). I switched vet shortly after.

Very sad
 

zirpkatze

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i have no idea if my vet offers declawing. i've seen no advertising for it. if i ever saw advertising for it or was offered the procedure i would find a new vet


Originally Posted by Shanynne

When I questioned the vet about this, she agreed that the wording did indeed "sugarcoat" what the actual surgery represented. She said she was with me on the issue, that she had two cats herself. However, she *did not* tell me at any point that she discouraged this procedure from being performed. In fact, she told me that there were certain cases where it was a necessity. Huh??? When can it *ever* be a necessity???
i would consider it necessary if the claws caused some kind of medical issue in the same sense that amputation of other body parts sometimes needs to be done. however, i've never seen amputation advertised anywhere

Originally Posted by Shanynne

However, I did *explain* to her what "declawing" did to a cat, etc. But her answer was still the same, "Well I would rather do it myself, than have someone else do it." How hyprocritical! She should have said, "I'd rather do it myself so that I don't risk losing the person's business if they go somewhere else".
i'm sure that if she refused to do the procedure many people would opt not to have it done after the details are explained to them. after all, a vet is a doctor and doctors are trusted. many think "if the vet offers it then it must be ok"
 

Willowy

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I know, it stinks. A lot of vets around here PUSH de-clawing, I mean seriously pressure the owners into doing it. I personally will not use a vet that actually pushes de-claws. Fortunately my vet doesn't push, but he still does them ($$$). Honestly, de-clawing is a huge moneymaker (pure profit, and they can charge whatever they want) and there are very few vets that will refuse to do them.

I, too, think that many people would not have their cats de-clawed if, when they asked to have it done, they were told "we don't do routine de-claws, and here's a pamphlet that explains why". Just that one little sentence would prevent many de-claws. Not all, of course (some people just don't care), but at least half, IMO.
 

cococat

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thank you for actually sticking up for what you believe in, the cats don't have a voice, they have to rely on us to keep them safe!
 
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