Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello,
I would like to know the considerations of removing the scapula or not in front leg amputation.
My cat Freek developed a plexus brachialis laesion at an age of about 18 months. Now he is 4 years old, wheighs 4,5 - 5 kg and has a persistand inflammation and superficial wound of the dorsal side of his foot. I think it is time to amputate and already discussed this with my vet.
Taking away the humurus makes total sense to me, but I don't understand why you should take away (or leave behind) the scapula. Could you enlighten me?
By the way: Freek likes it very much to roll over from one side to another and show his belly. I think that's part of his 'love language'. Is his side not to painfull to show this behavior when the scapula is removed?
(I'm Dutch, so English is not my native language)
Lots of thanks for your answer!
Hi Hester and welcome! Your future posts will not require approval. Please don't worry about your English - it's very good. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to your question. Hopefully someone else who is more knowledgeable in this area will be able to chime in.
I always remove the scapula in both dogs and cats because the remaining muscles will atrophy and leave a sharp bone poking out in the shoulder area. Personally I do not think that it takes any longer to do the surgery this way.
Pam
Thanks for your reaction Pam, I spoke to one of my one vets after posting this and she told me this too. And she also told me they could better reach the optimal place for cutting the nerve by removing the scapula. The way I understand it leaving behind more peripheral nerve increases the chance of phantom pain . This all makes sense to me. Glad I've asked, gives me more peace about the decision.
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