Veterinary students are often taught that dogs are three-legged animals with a spare. It might be surprising to some that the same adage is a suitable description for horses, too.

"In horses where conditions exist that prevent the use of traditional treatment methods for a severe injury or fracture, such as impaired circulatory status, infection, or fracture configuration, then amputation should be considered a viable option to euthanasia," said Ted P. Vlahos, DVM, MS, Dipl. ABVP, of Sheridan Equine Hospital PC, in Wyoming. Vlahos reviewed a retrospective study partial limb amputation cases at the 2010 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 4-8 in Baltimore, Md.

Believe it or not, veterinarians have been performing equine limb amputations successfully for more than 40 years and, according to Vlahos, these should not be considered abstract or controversial procedures.

Unlike a human amputee patient who remains non-weight-bearing until the stump has completely healed, a horse will bear weight on the stump and temporary prosthesis immediately after surgery. Careful case selection and proper surgical technique are essential for a positive outcome, however