The reasons to consider amputation of a cat’s leg are many, and include trauma, neoplasia, and bone or joint infection, according to Barbro Filliquist, DVM, Dip. ACVS-SA, Dip. ECVS, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Davis. “A recent report found 54% were due to neoplasia, while trauma was the cause in about 40%,” said Filliquist. Removing a back leg represents a greater challenge for a cat than removing a front leg. “The cat can learn to jump again more easily with a front leg removed, and also sit more easily,” Brooke said.
“Tripod” Case Histories
Talia, a fifteen and a half year old Siamese from Oyster Bay, NY, marks the latest of Brooke’s successful amputation surgeries. While Talia made a good recovery from a system fungal infection, her right front leg, sadly, did not regenerate. Consultations with specialists at the Animal Medical Center in NYC and The University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital determined the leg could not be saved and amputation was the only option. Althouh it was a high risk surgery for an older cat, Talia came through with flying colors, and was walking around and jumping just two weeks post-surgery. “She did great, and is an amazing cat,” said Brooke. “The surgery site looked superb.”
Xinjiang, a silver-spotted Oriental Shorthair, underwent amputation of his right hind leg at just six months old, due to progressive angiotosis. “There was a diffuse, vascular lesion which started in his toes,” said owner Lori Stewart of Hoosick Falls, NY. “Because it was progressive, the lesions would have traveled up his entire leg, crossed his spine, and gone into the other leg. Amputation was the only option.”
This story is from the June 2023 edition of Cat Talk.
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This story is from the June 2023 edition of Cat Talk.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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