Limb-sparing surgery versus amputation for dogs with bone tumors

Recently, limb-sparing surgeries have been used in the treatment of dogs with malignant bone tumors. These new techniques are fraught with potential complications. As amputation is a time-honored technique in veterinary medicine for the control of primary bone tumors, the use of newer, more complicated surgeries such as limb sparing may be considered controversial. In this article, amputation and limb sparing are discussed with reference to case selection, outcome, and possible complications.