Plus-Hex CLINICAL deterioration in disease and injury , physical function and behavioural choice ( Figure 3 ). This was echoed in the clinical signs and behavioural changes observed , resulting in a euthanasia decision . Trained behaviour was used to facilitate hand injection to induce general anaesthesia prior to euthanasia , resulting in a calm and welfare-positive euthanasia for this animal .
Discussion
Age contributes to OA due to its degenerative nature but , in this case , the changes observed were likely to be secondary to the onychectomy , as the serval was not considered aged . Radiographs of a similar-aged female serval that had not undergone an onychectomy were examined retrospectively . These did not show any similarities : there were no bony changes in the digits and no radiographic evidence of OA in the stifles , further supporting this hypothesis .
Long-term complications of onychectomy in domestic cats include claw regrowth , lameness , chronic pain , palmigrade stance and flexor tendon contraction , but there is a lack of conclusive data ( Clark et al ., 2014 ; Ruch-Gaille , 2016 ; Martell-Moran et al ., 2018 ). Longterm lameness is often difficult to observe as cats are commonly bilaterally lame on the thoracic limbs and lameness is considered secondary to chronic pain . However , the effects as a direct result of an onychectomy are not well described ( Martell-Moran et al ., 2018 ). P3 is important in the digitigrade stance of felids , so a functional change in gait to accommodate in onychectomised felids should also be considered ( Clark et al ., 2014 ). The ability to engage in hardwired species-specific behaviours like scratching and climbing is eliminated by an onychectomy , which may lead to chronic stress in domestic felids ( Kogan et al ., 2016 ; Ruch-Gallie et al ., 2016 ).
Servals are larger and heavier than domestic cats and are known for their ability to jump . This could have increased the risk of OA secondary to onychectomy , with additional weight and force carried through the joints alongside a reduction in shock absorption . OA changes on radiographs were significantly worse in the thoracic limbs , which was likely to be due to the natural weight distribution and position of the centre of gravity . Thoracic limbs carry 60 % of body weight , as well as being the primary contact and shock absorber for the percussive force of landing ( Beaver , 2003 ). Little is known about the serval ' s history prior to confiscation from the pet trade , its age at the time of onychectomy and the method used , which could also have affected the development of OA .
Monitoring with regular radiographs allowed clinical assessment of disease progression . A multimodal approach to analgesia targeted the specific components of chronic and maladaptive pain associated with OA . Alongside medical management , PBMT was included within the treatment plan , as a non-invasive , complementary therapy that is widely used in species across ZSL ( Sparrow , 2020 ). The holistic approach to this case encompassed both the health and welfare of the individual . The use of assessment tools , such as gait analysis and QOL , provided the feedback needed to create a unique and adaptive treatment plan that focused on the individual .
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank the ZSL Wildlife Health Services team and the animal keeper team .
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