34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Limb amputation in farm animals remains a rare but increasingly relevant surgical procedure due to evolving animal roles and owner expectations. While digit amputation is commonly performed in cattle and limb amputation is routine in companion animal surgery, full or partial limb amputation in farm animals is still infrequent. However, with rising numbers of animals kept as pets or sanctuary residents, and advances in prosthetic technologies, the paradigm is slowly shifting.

This presentation outlines current indications for amputation, including severe trauma, infections, ischemic necrosis, congenital deformities, and neoplasia. Key anatomical and biomechanical considerations—such as the importance of age, body weight, contralateral limb condition, and center-of-gravity changes—are discussed alongside ethical and economic concerns.

Surgical techniques for both full and partial limb amputation are presented, with emphasis on minimizing soft tissue trauma, careful vascular and nerve management, and selecting the appropriate level of amputation depending on the intended use (e.g., prosthesis fitting). Postoperative complications such as hemorrhage, wound dehiscence, neuroma, and contralateral overload are also addressed.

The role of prostheses is explored, highlighting practical requirements and the importance of owner education and compliance. Case details from a successful hind limb amputation in a goat demonstrate that, in carefully selected patients, amputation can restore good quality of life and function, even in a group-housed environment.

In conclusion, limb amputation should remain a last-resort option in large animals, but it can offer favorable outcomes when supported by careful case selection, meticulous surgery, and dedicated aftercare. More clinical data are needed to optimize prosthetic use and refine long-term outcome predictions.

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