Function following amputation is generally good to excellent in most patients. Patients with forelimb amputation have more initial difficulty with balance whilst hindlimb. Amputees have greater difficulty with propulsion and speed. Most pets are ambulatory immediately after surgery or within a few days and most animals have adapted well within 4 weeks.

Complications following amputation are uncommon but include hemorrhage, seroma formation (swelling from serum leaking in tissues) and wound dehiscence. These are less likely to occur with proper post-operative care and pain managemetn. Sharp paroxysmal pain consistent with nerve-related pain is sometimes seen post amputation both in the short and longer term but is poorly documented and may relate to neuroma formation or phantom pain. This can usually be managed medically if and when it does occur.

Limb biopsy will be performed to determine the nature of the mass (if one is present) and to determine if any cancerous cells reach the edges of the incision. The biopsy results turn around time varies based on the nature of the lesion – the more calcium in the lesion the longer the test takes. Expect results in 2-4 weeks.

What You Can Do At Home To Help Make Post-Operative Period A Success

• Training kitty prior to surgery to accept medications is very helpful so that it is less stressful for you and them after the procedure.
• Training kitty to tolerate an Elizabethean collar by giving them treats and feeding them with it on and then removing it prior to surgery is a good way to get them used to it prior to when they really need to wear it.  Some cats prefer Calmer Collars while others prefer inflatable “donut” style collars. We carry both collar options in clinic if you would like to purchase them from us.
• Your kitty will also go home with a shirt to cover the incision. They will be able to use the litter box when wearing this shirt. You’ll need two in case one gets wet or soiled so kitty’s incision can be covered while the soiled shirt is cleaned.
• Training kitty to enjoy squeeze up treats like Churu and Pill Assist prior to surgery is very important as they can be helpful rewards for tolerating incision care at home and can help get them to accept medication.  We carry Pill Assist in the clinic. This is Royal Canin brand and we have found that more kitties prefer it over Greenies Pill Pockets. We recommend you try several brands to find what your kitty likes the best.
• Giving kitty an option of their new litter in a new fresh shallow easy to get in litter box prior to surgery so they can learn to use it and still have their “regular” litter option is a great way to ensure they use the special litter post surgery and will make things less stressful for them.
  • Post amputation litter options: Yesterday’s News Pelleted Litter, Dr. Elsey’s All Natural Pine Pellet Litter, Newspaper shredded at home.
  • Litter box recommendation: KittyGoHere Senior Cat Litterbox, Under The Bed Tupperware clothes storage box as long as bottom is flat – the box needs to be at least 2 times longer than your kitty is and have a shallow opening.
• It is of utmost importance that kitty does not damage the incision. Licking the incision even for a short time when you are asleep or not looking or a wrestling match with a kitty housemate can cause damage that can be painful and delay recovery, sometimes even requiring secondary surgeries.
• As kitty learns to navigate having 3 limbs, it is important to have all of their resources (food, litter, water and soft bedding) in the room that they prefer to stay in.
• Providing kitty with stairs (fine to make out of boxes, books) to get onto your couch or bed for the first few weeks is important so that they don’t try to jump and fall landing on the incision.
• It will be a few days until kitty learns how to clean their behind after using the litter box. You can wipe them clean with a damp cloth but do not bathe them or apply soap or peroxide to the incision.
• Kitty should not be played active games for at least 2 weeks (or longer if the doctor recommends) and then they should be gradually introduced.