It's What's Left That Counts Amputation in Cats

Many years ago, amputation for cats was never done, because people thought it was cruel“ said Dr. Bridget Brooke, VMD, owner/ senior veterinarian at My Pet’s Vet, Huntington, NY. “Now, it’s done all the time, because the cats do so well.” Brooke, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School who has been practicing for over 30 years, has performed countless amputations with excellent results.

- Elizabeth Jennings

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.”