Introduction

• Amputation of the forelimb at the level of the mid-humerus.

Uses

• Neoplasia Bone tumor: overview   .
• Irreparable fractures or dislocations.
• Incapacitating neurological disease, eg brachial plexus injury Brachial plexus: avulsion.
• Severe osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis.
• Incapacitating and medically unresponsive degenerative joint disease    .
• Congenital or acquired limb deformity.
• Severe soft tissue damage, eg degloving injuries and ischemia.
  Print off the owner factsheet Caring for the amputee cat  Caring for the amputee cat to give to your client.

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

• Some cat owners may find the appearance of their pet distressing, especially initially.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

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

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.