Declawing my cat if she has ongoing infection in her nail beds (possible Pemphigus)

Hello there,



Thank you for reaching out with this concern about your cat. It sounds like you’re worried about recurring infections in her nail beds, and I can understand why you’d think about declawing. However, it's essential to explore all options first.



Chronic nail bed infections can stem from various causes, including allergies, immune-mediated diseases like pemphigus, or even fungal infections. Pemphigus is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the skin, and it can indeed affect the nail beds.



Before considering a procedure like declawing, which is quite invasive and painful with significant long-term implications, I suggest working closely with your vet to address the root cause. Treatment might involve medications to suppress the immune system, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or specialized shampoos if a fungal issue is present.



At home, you can maintain a clean environment, check her paws daily for swelling or redness, and ensure her litter box is clean, as this can reduce infection risks.



Watch for signs like increased swelling, pus, non-healing sores, or if she seems in pain or is limping. These might indicate a serious problem needing immediate attention.



I would love to help guide you further through a video consult with Dial A Vet, where we can dive deeper into her specific needs and explore the best treatment options together.