Forelimb amputation and long‐term follow‐up in a White Dorper ram

Abstract

AbstractThis paper aimed to report a successful forelimb amputation and long‐term follow‐up in a White Dorper ram. An 8‐month‐old 45.5 kg White Dorper ram was found standing on the exposed metacarpal bone of the right forelimb. Detailed clinical examination and radiographic evaluation confirmed metacarpophalangeal avulsion. Limb amputation was performed by radiocarpal disarticulation. Postoperative complications included wound infection and dehiscence. Fifteen days post‐surgery, the necrotic accessory carpal bone was retrieved during wound cleaning. After this, the stump healed rapidly by secondary intention within 30 days. During this recovery time, the ram showed good adaptation to walking on three legs, and the owner gave up buying the prosthesis. The ram returned to the flock fully adapted 45 days after surgery. We emphasize that documenting more limb amputations in livestock is critical to obtain conclusions about the prognosis, life expectancy and expected quality of life.