Pelvic limb: amputation

Buy now to access the full article, existing subscribers login

Sections available in full article Introduction, Uses, Alternative techniques, Time required, Decision taking, Requirements, Materials required, Preparation, Procedure, Aftercare, Immediate Aftercare, Long term Aftercare, Sequelae, Complications, Prognosis, Reasons for treatment failure, Sources, Vetstream contributor(s),
Contributors Dr Joe Harari MS DVM DACVS
Mr Andrew Gardiner BVM&S, Cert SAS, MSc, MRCVS

Introduction

  • Amputation of the hindlimb at the level of the mid-femur.

Uses

  • Neoplasia  Bone tumor: overview  .
  • Irreparable fractures.
  • Incapacitating neurologic dysfunction.
  • Intractable osteomyelitis .
  • Congenital or acquired deformity.

Advantages

  • The procedure is usually a 'salvage' option when no possibility of retention of a functional limb exists due to failure of other treatments or due to the expected course of a neoplastic condition.

Disadvantages

  • Appearance may be distressing, initially, to some owners. However, most cats cope extremely well with hindlimb amputation.

Requirements

Materials required

Minimum equipment

  • Standard surgical pack.
  • Oscillating bone saw, hacksaw blade, Gigli wire, osteotome/mallet, or Liston bone cutter.

Ideal equipment

  • Electrocoagulation apparatus.

Ideal consumables

  • Synthetic absorbable suture material, eg polyglactin (Vicryl), polydioxanone (PDS), size 3/0 and 4/0.

Other requirements

  • An assistant can be helpful to hold/manipulate the limb.

Preparation

  • 15 min.

Sequelae

Complications

  • Secondary metastasis in neoplastic diseases.

Prognosis

  • Depends on the reasons for amputation. If the primary disease is treated successfully, most cats cope extremely well with hindlimb amputation.

Reasons for treatment failure

  • Usually, due to progression of neoplastic diseases.

Sample content only, to unlock the full article login or buy now

Loading...