Learn More. The Peer-to-Peer request must be received by Maryland Amerigroup maryland prior authorization Care within two 2 business days of the initial notification of the denial. The intent of the Peer-to-Peer is to discuss the denial decision with the ordering clinician or attending physician. For specific details prioe authorization requirements, please refer to our Quick Reference Guide. Certain carefirst mental providers require prior authorization regardless of place of service.
The purpose of this article is to educate and inform pet owners about the procedure and its potential effects. Most declawing methods amputate the toe from the first joint or knuckle past the nailbed, a method called disarticulation.
With laser declawing, a medical-grade CO2 laser is used to amputate the toe at the first joint past the nailbed. The scalpel method uses a scalpel blade to amputate the toe at that first joint as well. The guillotine method, which has largely fallen out of favor in the veterinary community, uses either sterilized nail trimmers or a bone cutter to amputate the toe at the joint.
Unfortunately, especially with the guillotine method, disarticulation is not always achieved, and bone fragments can be left behind. Laser declawing is considered by some in the veterinary community to be the most humane method for declawing. Pain levels were the same six days into recovery regardless of procedure type in one study.
As with the previous mentioned research, both studies demonstrated that pain was still present regardless of method used. Laser declaw is more costly than traditional methods. Scratching is a normal, instinctual behavior in cats. Many reasons exist for scratching, including keeping the claws healthy, communication, and stress relief. Laser declawing has been shown to have a lower rate of claw regrowth as well as certain short-term and long-term issues e.
There are a variety of alternatives to declawing that you should consider before considering a declawing procedure. Adding multiple tall scratching posts as well as scratching pads, and continually directing the cat to these areas can prevent furniture destruction. Cats like to reach up to scratch as well as stretch out and scratch, so different height levels are important. If scratching seems to go beyond what is normal for a cat, consider discussing the issues with your veterinarian.
A check up may determine the problem is a medical issue. If the scratching problem is more of a behavioral issue, your vet may discuss adding environmental enrichment for your cat such as food puzzles and more play time; adding pheromones to the environment e. Other helpful options to protect furniture are the use of synthetic nail caps e. What is Declawing? Consequences of Declawing Scratching is a normal, instinctual behavior in cats. Alternatives to Declawing There are a variety of alternatives to declawing that you should consider before considering a declawing procedure.
American Association of Feline Practitioners. Cats may also urinate inappropriately following declaw surgery because they experience pain from their paws when they get in the litter box and paw around. These litter box problems may follow a cat throughout his life, causing him to be at risk for abandonment or worse.
Cats are digitigrade walkers. This means that cats walk on and balance with their toes rather than the bottoms of their feet, like plantigrade walkers such as humans.
When a cat is declawed, his balance is disrupted , and this can cause him to be more prone to falling injuries. Declawing cats removes a big mechanism of defense. If a declawed cat goes outside or ever escapes to the outside, he will be much less able to survive if he is attacked by another animal. Declawed cats also have a higher tendency to bite humans because they feel insecure knowing they are unable to defend themselves with their claws.
So if declawing is inhumane, how can you protect your belongings from cat claw damage? Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure that your cat's claws can exist in harmony with your furniture and other household items. These include:. Providing enough cat scratching surfaces that have the qualities that are important to cats is one of the most important and effective ways for you to minimize cat scratching damage to your home.
A cat that has access to scratching posts that meet their needs for marking territory, stretching muscles, and relieving stress will almost always choose to use them rather than the less attractive options of furniture and carpet.
Training your cat to use a scratching post involves making the post as attractive as possible for scratching while simultaneously rendering undesirable any unacceptable surfaces that he may be using. Declawing is a painful, risk-filled procedure that is done only for the convenience of humans.
There are only extremely rare instances, when claws are affected by a medical condition, that declawing cats can be considered anything but inhumane. Fortunately, there are alternative methods for dissuading cat scratching damage to your home. These methods are positive, humane, and they really work. All prices are in USD. Sitemap Powered by BigCommerce. My Cat Still Scratches the Furniture! You Might Need a Cat if Site Information. Please wait
Cat scratching is a natural instinct, so provide your cat with something that makes them feel satisfied. You can also put catnip on the post or could tie a toy on it to allure your kitty. You can simply book an appointment with the groomer for a manicure session or do it at your house.
But, ask the veterinarian for tips and the right technique. You can even use treats to control the situation. Vinyl nail caps are an amazing tool and a great substitute for declawing in cats. You can get soft paws nails at any pet store. You have to be very particular while selecting the nail caps cover for your cat.
It should fit her well. Use enough glue to stick the nails otherwise they will remove easily. The glue is not toxic and can cover her nails for weeks. These are easily available in the market. One drawback of this alternative is that not all felines would be comfortable using the boots. But, there is no harm in experimenting right? You can invest in Fanme Anti-Scratch Boots these are safe and made exclusively with silicone.
It can fit any paw because it is stretchable and can cover her paw properly without harming her. The best part is it has holes that will work as ventilation and keep her bottoms clean. Manufactures have used non-slippery silicone gel that offers more traction. Cats release their stress by doing this they release pheromones scent which helps them to calm down also mark their territory.
Although the majority of the pet parents use it for territorial urine marking. But, you can also use these as declawing alternatives to get rid of unnecessary scratching behavior in cats. Cats scratch various things due to a variety of reasons but making it less desirable can help. They will stop spoiling your things. So, there are various things which can help you to make her things less appealing and attractive.
Foil lacks good scratch quality. This can become a bonus point for us. So, you can use tin foil or aluminum foil as it lacks rough texture.
Similarly, you can apply a deterrent spray to avoid scratching. Due to the smell of the spray, they will stay away from the places where they used to satisfy their scratching urge. So, if you simply apply deterrent spray on your and her favorite things there are fewer chances of declawing your cat. It tastes bitter so if your cat scratches the carpet and then lick her claws she will not feel like coming back to the place again.
One single spray can last for many days. Well, you can simply spray vinegar or citrus lemon juice. Thus, they will repel and make her favorite place and things less attractive. Cover the area your cat is most attracted to, it will try to make them lose their interest in a particular area. I used Panther Armor Cat Scratch Sticky Paws Tape for making her favorite spot less interesting, and it helps to keep your household clean. This immediately stops your cat from scratching the surface.
You can easily cut and stick this tape, it has strong glue which lasts long. Plus it is not toxic for her. Your cat must be trained for this right from the beginning. If you teach her to avoid scratching things in the earlier stage it will become her habit. If your cat is an outdoor cat, it may not be a good idea to declaw it. Outdoor cats need their claws to protect themselves outside. Indoor cats, however, will be safe when declawed. Some negative effects of declawing Medical drawbacks to declawing include pain in the paw, infection, tissue necrosis tissue death , lameness, and back pain.
While several cities around the U. New York became the first in The law prohibits any veterinary practitioners from performing declawing procedures on a cat unless the procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose. Declawing kittens when they are young leads to smoother and quicker recoveries. We feel the best age for declawing is weeks of age, but can be done up to 6 months of age. Your kitten will receive pain medication with their anesthesia as well as local anesthetic to each paw.
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Nov 3, · Is there a humane way to declaw cats? Laser declawing is considered by some in the veterinary community to be the most humane method for declawing. Reasons cited for . Declawing involves amputating the last bone in each of a cat’s toes and severing the tendons, ligaments, and nerves connected to it. In addition to the risks and pain associated with the . Mar 4, · Your cat won’t feel uncomfortable it is completely safe to use. So, you can definitely get these cats’ nail caps. 4. Use Cat Boots Or Socks Another best alternative for declawing .