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Hemipelvectomy is a surgical procedure used in cats to treat certain conditions of the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues. This will involve removing all or part of the hemipelvis and the attached limb. Because it is considered an invasive and aggressive surgery, hemipelvectomy may not be the first line of treatment for conditions affecting the pelvis.
There are several approaches to hemipelvectomy. The procedure used will depend on the location of the tumor or condition. The general procedure steps for total hemipelvectomy are outlined below.
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It is difficult to speculate on the efficacy of this procedure since it is rarely performed in cats. The cat’s overall health and limb function will influence the outcome of the procedure. The efficacy will also depend on the surgeon’s expertise. However, it is generally considered safe, provided that the condition warrants the treatment and the surgeon is highly skilled.
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The cat will remain in the hospital for up to ten days to recover. However, nine out of ten patients are discharged within seven days. During this time, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications will be administered to manage pain and inflammation. The veterinarian may assist the cat with walking within forty-eight hours following surgery.
Cats are usually able to walk relatively quickly following surgery, although healing times will depend on the overall health of the cat and the underlying condition. Owners should follow all their surgeon’s postoperative care instructions exactly. An Elizabethan cone may be required to prevent the cat from disturbing the surgery site. Owners should check the surgery site each day to ensure no swelling, draining, bleeding, or rupture has occurred. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for ten to fourteen days after surgery to remove sutures. Additional follow-up appointments will be scheduled as needed to administer additional treatments, particularly in patients with tumors.
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The cost of hemipelvectomy will vary based on standards of living and additional costs incurred. On average, the cost of hemipelvectomy ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.
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Complications associated with hemipelvectomy include, but may not be limited to:
There is approximately a 20% chance that tumors will recur in cats that have been diagnosed with cancer and treated with hemipelvectomy. Hemorrhage is a major concern of this surgery because it involves the transaction of large muscles. However, 80% of patients experience no postoperative complications. No life-threatening complications were observed in the remaining 20%.
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Cancerous conditions are impossible to prevent. For cats that have suffered pelvic fracture, owners should follow all their veterinarian’s recovery instructions carefully. Improper fracture healing may require hemipelvectomy.
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