This video gives a great description of what to expect:
Your pet will undergo routine testing before surgery to ensure they get adequate and safe anesthesia and pain management medications. Veterinarians who follow modern pain management procedures for cats and dogs will provide pre-surgery pain medication like a Fentanyl patch for relieving acute pain, Gabapentin for alleviating nerve pain and amantadine to keep pain from spiraling out of control. “It used to be that pain was dealt with post-op, but a lot of pain can be prevented now by administering the drug Gabapentin pre-op, using an MLK (morphine) drip during and after surgery, and performing nerve blocks intra-op,” says Tripawds Fairy Vet Mother Dr. Pam Wiltzius.
To reduce the risk of aspiration while under anesthesia, your vet will ask you to stop food and possibly all supplements the night before surgery.
Here’s What Amputation Surgery Day Looks Like
Your dog or cat’s amputation procedure technically begins long before you ever drop them off. If you were fortunate enough to have time to research the clinic and surgeons who will handle the procedure, you will have hopefully found a qualified veterinary clinic. The best way to choose a veterinarian for amputation surgery is to use the American Animal Hospital Association hospital locator. We know there are many great vet clinics that aren’t AAHA-accredited, but only AAHA-clinics are guaranteed to adhere to the most up-to-date procedures for things like pain management, surgery and anesthesia and contagious diseases.
Check with your vet about the availability of overnight staff. Even the smallest practice should partner with a 24-hour emergency clinic that handles their patients at night if they cannot provide all-night monitoring. We strongly encourage you to avoid facilities that do not have after-hours staffing.
What Are the Indications for Performing a Limb Amputation?
Surgical removal of a limb is indicated in cases of severe damage, gangrene, or a bone tumor. In some fracture situations, finances do not allow for surgical repair and amputation may be the only alternative for the dog.
Amputation – What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know: VLOG 67
If your pet needs to have a limb amputated, it can be a stressful time. Sometimes, however, this surgery is the best choice to relieve pain and improve quality of life. For many conditions, including cancers such as osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma, a pet limb amputation can be vital to successful treatment.
Veterinary Oncology Services and Research Center wants to be sure that you know what to expect when it comes to pet limb amputation so that you can be prepared to help your pet make a full recovery.
After your pet’s surgery, the amputation site will need to heal. Being prepared to care for your pet will help you navigate the first few weeks more successfully.
It may be helpful to have a few supplies at home in order to better help you care for your pet. A digital thermometer and some lubricant can help you to monitor your pet’s temperature. Basic bandage supplies such as bandage scissors, sterile gauze pads, flexible wrap, and adhesive tape may come in handy.
If your pet requires a bandage or drain after surgery, we will show you how to care for them at your pet’s discharge.
You and your pet will likely need a little help adjusting to life without a leg. Thankfully most pets do very well. The following recommendations will help your pet in the transition post-amputation:
Help your pet build strength—Your pet is going to be using some different muscles than he or she has previously used. We can work together to develop an appropriate exercise program or refer you to pet rehabilitation specialist in order to help your pet recover.
Care for the remaining limbs—Your pet’s remaining limbs are even more important now than they were previously. Weight management and joint health support are vital.
Keep us posted—Many pets do quite well. Let us know right away if your pet is not doing well or seems uncomfortable.
Most pets who undergo limb amputations go on to live very enjoyable lives. While it can be a tough decision for us to make as owners, many times undergoing an amputation is the best way to improve the quality of life for the patient.
While it isn’t an answer in all situations, limb amputation shouldn’t be discounted in circumstances where it is potentially curative or greatly improves your pet’s quality of life. Thankfully most pets adjust without skipping a beat.