Cosmetic Surgery

Position

"The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) opposes surgical alteration of any animal, for purely cosmetic purposes."

Background

The CVMA believes that cosmetic surgery is unnecessary. Surgical alterations in cases of injury or for reasons of health are not considered cosmetic. Examples of cosmetic procedures include:

• tail docking in the equine, bovine, or canine species;
• tail nicking/setting in the equine species;
• ear cropping in canine species; and
• onychectomy in species other than the domestic cat.

The CVMA recommends that breed associations change their breed standards so that cosmetic procedures are not required.

(Reapproved July 2007)