Final answer:
An onychectomy, also known as declawing, is the surgical removal of an animal's claws, most commonly performed on domestic cats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Onychectomy is correctly defined as the surgical removal of D. claws. An onychectomy is commonly referred to as declawing when performed on domestic cats. This procedure involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe, from which the claw grows, in essence equivalent to amputating a person's finger at the last joint. It is a controversial practice in the veterinary field due to concerns regarding animal welfare and ethics, as well as potential physical and behavioral complications that can result from the surgery.