Limb amputation has good owner satisfaction and outcomes in 22 livestock cases (2013-2023)

To assess the outcomes of and characterize the complications associated with limb amputations in ruminants and camelids.

Medical records at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were electronically searched to identify any ruminants or camelids that had undergone a partial or complete limb amputation from 2013 through 2023. Information obtained included signalment, surgery information, duration of hospitalization, and complications. Long-term follow-up data were collected via an owner telephone questionnaire.

The study included 22 animals: 6 camelids, 11 caprines, 3 ovines, and 2 bovines. All animals that underwent amputation survived to discharge, with 3 cases (14%) developing transient short-term complications, including seroma or incisional infection. The mean duration of hospitalization was 3.5 days and 7.6 days for animals without and with short-term complications, respectively. Of the 18 cases that long-term follow-up was available for, 16 (89%) were alive with a good quality of life, and 2 reported minor difficulties in standing up following recumbency. Prostheses were fitted for 3 cases; however, in 2 cases owners reported that animals resented its use and were more comfortable without it. In the third case, severe sores developed; however, bilateral hindlimb amputations precluded discontinuing use.

Limb amputation is a viable option for ruminants and camelids, with good short-term and long-term outcomes in this study. Animals developing short-term complications had a longer hospitalization time. Prosthetic limbs were generally not well tolerated.

Ruminants and camelids undergoing limb amputation have a good prognosis, and this procedure should be considered as an option for cases where salvage of the limb is not possible.