CASE STUDIES ON FELINE DECLAWING

Ebony's Story  (larger view)

This radiograph of the left paw of a 14-year-old black 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 toes, a portion of bone sits 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 lying in one place, irritable and snarling at anyone who approached. In 2002, 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.