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Post‐operative complications and owner satisfaction following partial caudectomies: 22 cases (2008 to 2013)
Author(s) -
Simons M. C.,
BenAmotz R.,
Popovitch C.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of small animal practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1748-5827
pISSN - 0022-4510
DOI - 10.1111/jsap.12257
Subject(s) - medicine , dehiscence , amputation , surgery , cats , clinical significance , medical record , wound dehiscence
OBJECTIVES To report complications and owner satisfaction for dogs and cats following partial caudectomy. METHODS Medical records of dogs and cats (n = 22) that underwent partial caudectomy between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, reason for amputation, level of amputation, and complications were recorded. Owners were contacted via telephone to obtain follow‐up data. RESULTS The most common reason for partial caudectomy was tail wounds (16 of 22; 72 · 7%). Complications were typically minor incisional crusting (4 of 20; 20%). Major complications (3 of 20; 15%) included prolonged healing after partial incisional dehiscence, continued self‐trauma requiring revision surgery, and severe inflammation with ulceration requiring revision surgery. The majority of owners surveyed (10 of 12; 83 · 3%) were satisfied with the post‐operative outcome and would recommend this procedure if warranted. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Partial caudectomy is well tolerated in both dogs and cats with no loss of function. Pet owners did not perceive any behavioural changes following partial caudectomy. However, in cases of continued self‐mutilation and/or incisional dehiscence, revision procedures may be required.