Indications for and outcomes of limb amputation in goats and sheep

Domestic dog attacks on livestock referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Losses and the economic impact of dog attacks (DAs) on livestock are often overlooked and include factors such as decreased production, expenses for treatment and handling, and death of injured animals. This study evaluated the epidemiological, therapeutic, and pathological findings of DAs on livestock over an 11-year survey using the records of farm animals referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Livestock attacked by dogs included 31 sheep, 11 horses, 3 cattle, 3 goats, and 2 pigs, totaling 50 animals. Anatomical locations injured by dog bites were identified as head/neck, thoracic/pelvic limbs, abdomen/flank, rump/tail, and multiple affected regions (two or more bite sites). Additionally, the severity of the injuries was classified into four degrees adapted from the classification of dog bite injuries in children. Most livestock presented Grade 1 (26%) and Grade 2 (28%) injuries, while Grade 3 and Grade 4 injuries were observed in 46% of DAs. Furthermore, 35 animals (70%) were discharged, 9 (18%) died, and 6 (12%) were humanely euthanized. DAs may represent a significant cause for referring livestock species to clinical care, severe injuries, and a considerable number of deaths. In this study, we provide information regarding DAs on livestock for the first time in Midwestern Brazil.

Implantation of an Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis Restoring Ambulation After Amputation of the Distal Aspect of the Left Tibia in an Arabian Tahr (Arabitragus jayakari)

Objective: This document is to report the clinical application and outcome of custom designed Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis (ITAP) in the left hind limb in a wildlife Arabian Tahr (Arabitragus jayakari).

Sample Population: A 4-year-old, 15 kg Arabian female Tahr from the Omani Mammals Breeding Center.

Method: The distal aspect of the left tibia was amputated due to trauma. A custom designed ITAP was inserted into the tibia 5 months after amputation. Two weeks after the surgery an exoprosthesis was attached to the limb. The outcome of the surgery was measured by means of assessments of the limb function and radiographic examination.

Results: Fourteen days after surgery the exoprosthesis was attached. The animal was walking showing lameness grade 2/5 (AAEP lameness scale). Within three weeks lameness improved to grade 1/5. Skin integration with the ITAP was achieved within 28 days. The Tahr was successfully reunited with the breeding herd.

Conclusion: Application of the ITAP to the left tibia of the Arabian Tahr resulted in positive functional outcomes. Six months post-surgery observations confirmed ambulation with grade 1/5 lameness was restored. The animal was reintroduced to the breeding group.

Clinical Relevance: ITAP offers a viable option to restore functionality and ambulation in wildlife.