Leg Amputation in Cats
Feline leg amputation may be more devastating for the owner than for the cat. Fortunately, cats quickly adapt to becoming three-legged, and often the amputation is more beneficial to the cat than keeping the limb.
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Causes
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A cat's leg may need to be amputated for several reasons, including frostbite, severe trauma, tumors, hemangiosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and adverse reactions to a vaccination.
Pre-Surgery
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Before the amputation surgery, the veterinarian may run tests to check for underlying health issues or problems. There may be X-rays, blood tests and a biopsy. Pain medication will also begin to be administered.
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Surgery
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During an amputation procedure, general anesthesia will be used and pain medication will be continued. An amputation surgery can take several hours to perform.
Post-Surgery
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Pain medications should be continuously administered to prevent the cat from going into shock. The incision site, which is closed with stitches or staples, should be monitored daily for discharge, redness and swelling. The staples or stitches will need to be removed after approximately two weeks.
Prognosis
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According to Dr. Nicholas Trout, "The majority of cats are up and about the day following the amputation." Despite having only three limbs, many amputee cats can go on to live a full life.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Stefano Mortellaro
