New term to replace "declaw"

I'm fascinated by the use of language and how inaccurate terminology
can cause a lot of argument and dissent among people.

Example: The "income tax" is precisely that, a tax on income. Not a lot
of argument there. However the term "death tax" is incorrect because it
is not a tax on death. Lots of argument around the "death tax".
Probably coming out of confusion caused by incorrect terminology.

So, what if the term "declaw" were replaced with something more
accurate? Would that help everyone understand the procedure a bit
better? I think it might go a long way toward cat owners making
informed decisions. I know I thought for the longest time that
declawing was similar to pulling out fingernails (which doesn't sound
really appealing, either) which is incorrect.

Some possible suggestions:
Claw amputation
DPA (Distal Phalanx Amputation)

Any feedback on this idea? Feedback on terminology?

I don't want to start a pro-declaw, anti-declaw argument but I would
like to know what people think about using a more accurate term and if
they think that would be helpful.

Actually, you have a very good point. If it were NAMED exactly what it WAS
there would probably be less of it.

I'd just call it digit amputation.

"Katy Grace" <katy_grace.RemoveThis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1126547321.327302.154770@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> I'm fascinated by the use of language and how inaccurate terminology
> can cause a lot of argument and dissent among people.
>
> Example: The "income tax" is precisely that, a tax on income. Not a lot
> of argument there. However the term "death tax" is incorrect because it
> is not a tax on death. Lots of argument around the "death tax".
> Probably coming out of confusion caused by incorrect terminology.
>
> So, what if the term "declaw" were replaced with something more
> accurate? Would that help everyone understand the procedure a bit
> better? I think it might go a long way toward cat owners making
> informed decisions. I know I thought for the longest time that
> declawing was similar to pulling out fingernails (which doesn't sound
> really appealing, either) which is incorrect.
>
> Some possible suggestions:
> Claw amputation
> DPA (Distal Phalanx Amputation)
>
> Any feedback on this idea? Feedback on terminology?
>
> I don't want to start a pro-declaw, anti-declaw argument but I would
> like to know what people think about using a more accurate term and if
> they think that would be helpful.
>