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Amputation
Limb amputation in pets is a procedure that most pet owners initially resist but that provides excellent quality of life outcomes. Animals adapt remarkably well to three legs.
Key Facts
- Performed for irreparable trauma, cancer, or severe chronic pain
- Animals adapt extremely well; most are as mobile as before within weeks
- Even double-amputee animals can function well
- Cats often recover so well that casual observers do not notice the missing limb
- Amputation is preferable to continued pain or euthanasia
- Post-operative recovery is typically 2-3 weeks
- Owners consistently report better quality of life for their pets after amputation
- Species: dogs and cats