Limb amputation for feline appendicular bone tumors results in excellent recovery outcomes and high owner satisfaction with a low incidence of complications

Abstract Objective To evaluate the recovery outcomes of cats following limb amputation for appendicular bone tumors. Methods This retrospective, multi-institutional study included cats that underwent thoracic or pelvic limb amputation to treat primary appendicular bone tumors (2006 to 2019). Short- and long-term postoperative complications were investigated. Owners were surveyed to evaluate their perceptions and satisfaction regarding postoperative adaptation and recovery outcomes. Fisher exact tests were used to compare the results between different levels of amputation performed. Results A total of 68 client-owned cats were included. Mild short-term (≤ 14 days) and long-term (> 14 days) postoperative complications were reported in 5 (7.4%) and 3 (4.4%) cats, respectively. Overall, time to return to walking without support was < 3 days in 69.7% of cats and 3 to 7 days in 16.7%. Activity level changes were reported as no change in 75.8% of cats. There were no behavioral changes in 92.3% of cats. Quality of life following amputation was recorded as excellent in 82.4% of cats. Owner satisfaction was reported as very satisfied, moderately satisfied, or satisfied in 98.5% of cats. There was no significant difference between thoracic limb and pelvic limb amputation in owner satisfaction or postoperative complications (short-term, OR = 0.39 [95% CI, 0.035 to 2.39]; long-term, OR = 0.41 [95% CI, 0.0074 to 5.39]). Conclusions Most cats showed prompt and complete recovery following thoracic or pelvic limb amputation, with a high level of owner satisfaction and low incidence of postoperative complications. Clinical Relevance Thoracic or pelvic limb amputation in cats can result in excellent recovery outcomes.