Indications for and outcomes of limb amputation in goats and sheep

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To characterize indications for and clinical outcomes of limb amputation in goats and sheep. DESIGN Retrospective case series and observational study. ANIMALS Goats (n = 15) and sheep (7) that underwent partial or complete limb amputation at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from January 1, 1985, through December 31, 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records of qualifying goats and sheep were reviewed and data extracted regarding signalment, use of animal, characteristics of the amputated limb, duration of hospitalization, outcome, and surgery-associated complications. The Fisher exact test was performed to compare postsurgical complication rates between various groups. RESULTS Reasons for limb amputation included trauma (ie, fracture, dog bite, and wire-fence injury) and infectious or degenerative disease (ie, osteomyelitis and osteoarthritis). Median (range) hospitalization period for goats and sheep was 7.5 days (1 to 63 days) and 8 days (3 to 20 days), respectively. Most (7/9) of the postsurgical complications were noticed > 2 months after amputation and included uncoordinated gait, tendon breakdown and laxity of the contralateral limb, chronic lameness, surgical site infection, chronic intermittent pain, and angular limb deformity. No association was identified between postsurgical complication rate in goats and body weight category (< 20 vs ≥ 20 kg [44 lb]), age category (< 2 vs ≥ 2 years), and amputated limb type (forelimb vs hind limb). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clinical outcomes for goats and sheep following limb amputation varied and were seemingly case dependent. Amputation should be considered when preservation of the whole limb is not possible. Veterinarians should advise owners that limb amputation may result in various complications and recommend aftercare treatment such as physiotherapy.

Forelimb amputation and long‐term follow‐up in a White Dorper ram

“…On the reviewed literature, there are only four papers on limb amputations in small ruminants, 1,4,5 including one on wild bighorn sheep 6 . As reported in cattle, 10 catastrophic injuries remain the most common reason for limb amputation in sheep and goats 1 .…”

“…Currently, partial or full limb amputation is becoming more accepted by owners and a viable alternative to preclude euthanasia, 4 especially in pet ruminants 5 . It can be more than a life‐sparing procedure and enable a productive life because domestic and wild ruminants have continued breeding following partial limb amputation 1,6 . Goats and sheep have a lower adult body weight than cattle and are suitable candidates for limb amputation following irreparable limb injury 1,5 .…”

“…It can be more than a life‐sparing procedure and enable a productive life because domestic and wild ruminants have continued breeding following partial limb amputation 1,6 . Goats and sheep have a lower adult body weight than cattle and are suitable candidates for limb amputation following irreparable limb injury 1,5 . Therefore, this paper aimed to report a successful forelimb amputation and long‐term follow‐up in a White Dorper ram.…”

Implantation of an Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis Restoring Ambulation After Amputation of the Distal Aspect of the Left Tibia in an Arabian Tahr (Arabitragus jayakari)

“…The prostheses elements are pictured in Figure 1. The prostheses are comprised of a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) stem for intramedullary placement (2) with dorsal and medial locking plates (1) for additional secure fixation, a perforated umbrella-shaped flange (3) for skin in-growth and a distal extra cutaneous pin (4) for exoprosthesis attachment. The exoprosthesis consisted of an adjustable locking hinge (5) made from stainless steel attached to a carbon fiber leg with the hoof (6).…”

“…When separated from the herd in safe enclosures, injured Arabian Tahrs develop separation stress, susceptibility to infections and an inability to breed. Compromised animals are often subjected to premature euthanasia (4). Due to significant consequences of limb amputation, all efforts must be made to re-establish movement on four limbs and preserve as much of the limb as possible to allow the application of prosthetic aid.…”