Forequarter amputation is also known as forelimb amputation but in forequarter amputation, the entire limb along with the scapula is removed!

On 16th January, a 7 years old female German hepherd was admitted into the hospital with a history of malignant mass cell tumor that matastasized along the right forelimb. The tumors caused lameness and inorder to prevent it from spreading to other body parts, the doctors decided to amputate the limb.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Tsogyel Lhamo and Dr. Tenzin Wangchuk, assisted by me and another intern. During the amputation, frequent monitioring of the vital signs and accurate administrations of top up was a very crucial step. Inorder to excise the forelimb, the recommended approach was to excise from the scapula(forequarter amputation). 

While performing the surgery, Y-shaped incision line was made, one line above the scapula and around the humerus. All the fatty tissues,muscles,tendons,blood vessels and nerves attached on the limb to the body were excised. 

One important procedure that was followed during the amputation was locating the brachial plexus. Brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates from the spinal nerves(C5-T2) and innervates the muscles of the entire forelimb. During the surgical procedure, brachial plexus and other nerves were blocked by lignocaine to manage the pain. Following the dissection of muscles and tendons, the limb was removed carefully and the wound was closed meticulously. Antibiotics and analgesics were prescribed and the owner was adviced to visit for regular monitoring of the wound.