Rat limb amputation (hind)

RE: Rat limb amputation (hind)

Marie Kubiak — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 17:07:29 GMT

What is the origin of the mass? If classic proliferative pododermatitis then you've probably already got an issue on the other side causing over-loading of the swollen leg, or husbandry issues and amputation is likely to be contraindicated. If neoplastic then amputation would be appropriate as a last resort as not much else can be done but there is a significant risk of pododermatitis developing on the other side. Soft surfaces, ramps, weight reduction and managing the owner's expectations are all crucial post-op!

Surgery itself is as for other mammals. I do a high femoral amputation to avoid leaving a stump in contact with the ground. Slow and careful sharp and blunt dissection and lugation of anything vascular, leavung a smooth bone end and closing muscle over the femoral remnant work well. Multilayer closure and use of local anaesthesia, opioids and NSAIDs help avoid interference. Attacking the wound usually follows discomfort so be proactive with analgesia.

Marie

RE: Rat limb amputation (hind)

Liz Barton — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 16:31:25 GMT

[quote user="Edward Jones"]I envisage an initial acclimatisation problem for the rat given that the limb is not yet dysfunctional - how severe might this be, I'm presuming it should be able to cope?[/quote]

I've done two HL amputations in chinchillas. Almost on waking up from the surgery you'd never know! We kept it in a smaller cage with just a single layer (other than small bed box) for a few days until stitches mostly healed, for reduced activity and reduced risk of falling (obviously can still climb the bars unless vivarium type).

[quote user="Edward Jones"] The biggest problems I anticipate are blood loss and pain management. What level amputation would you suggest? Instinctively I'm tempted to transect the femoral musculature as distal as possible to minimise blood loss from the cut surfaces, lift the musculature from the femor and transect the bone at the proximal third level - but any advice or suggestions would be gratefully received.[/quote]

Just this. I used cutting diathermy so no bleeding - obviously tied off major vessels - just like a small cat. Otherwise just as you've said. Use opioid as a premed, metacam, SQ warmed fluids, local splash and sciatic nerve prior to transection.

My two chinchillas did really well and live normal lives :)

RE: Rat limb amputation (hind)

Neil Wheadon — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 11:13:38 GMT

I think you've answered your own questions

Crack on and do it

Neil