Long-term follow-up of partial limb amputation in 13 horses

Thirteen cases of partial limb amputation in horses were reviewed. Nine horses (69%) survived 18 to 111 months (mean, 41 months). Four unsuccessfully treated horses were euthanatized within 21 days of surgery. The horses' ages at amputation were 4 to 13 years (mean, 7.3 years). There was no predilection for the left or right limb nor for fore or hind limb involvement. Osteomyelitis in six horses (46%) was the most common cause for amputation. Severe, open, comminuted fractures of the third metacarpal bone that were impossible to stabilize by any currently available technique in four horses (31%) were the second most common cause for amputation. One gelding was salvaged because of his sentimental value, two horses were used as breeding stallions, and six were broodmares. One stallion lived 30 months, completed two breeding seasons, and started a third. The other stallion began breeding, but became sterile. Three of the mares have produced five foals. One mare died while in foal. One mare aborted near-term twin fetuses and died of uterine hemorrhage. One mare aborted twice before the femoral head ligament on the contralateral limb ruptured, and she was euthanatized.