title: Outcomes of dogs undergoing limb amputation, owner satisfaction with limb amputation procedures, and owner perceptions regarding postsurgical adaptation: 64 cases (2005-2012).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate outcomes of dogs and owner satisfaction and perception of their dogs' adaptation following amputation of a thoracic or pelvic limb.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  64 client-owned dogs. Procedures-Medical records of dogs that underwent limb amputation at a veterinary teaching hospital between 2005 and 2012 were reviewed. Signalment, body weight, and body condition scores at the time of amputation, dates of amputation and discharge from the hospital, whether a thoracic or pelvic limb was amputated, and reason for amputation were recorded. Histologic diagnosis and date of death were recorded if applicable. Owners were interviewed by telephone about their experience and interpretation of the dog's adaptation after surgery. Associations between perioperative variables and postoperative quality of life scores were investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  58 of 64 (91%) owners perceived no change in their dog's attitude after amputation; 56 (88%) reported complete or nearly complete return to preamputation quality of life, 50 (78%) indicated the dog's recovery and adaptation were better than expected, and 47 (73%) reported no change in the dog's recreational activities. Body condition scores and body weight at the time of amputation were negatively correlated with quality of life scores after surgery. Taking all factors into account, most (55/64 [86%]) respondents reported they would make the same decision regarding amputation again, and 4 (6%) indicated they would not; 5 (8%) were unsure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This information may aid veterinarians in educating clients about adaptation potential of dogs following limb amputation and the need for postoperative weight control in such patients.
authors.forename: Vanna M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Dickerson
authors.forename: Kevin D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.forename: Morika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ogawa
authors.forename: Corey F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Saba
authors.forename: Karen K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Cornell
authors.forename: MaryAnn G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Radlinsky
authors.forename: Chad W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Schmiedt
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010067:Ownership; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome