Bilateral hindlimb custom-made external-fixation amputee prostheses in a cat

Bilateral limb amputation in cats presents major challenges for long-term mobility and quality of life. This case report describes the surgical and clinical management of a young mixed-breed cat with bilateral distal hindlimb amputations, treated using custom-made external fixation prostheses. The aim was to explore the feasibility and complications associated with this approach in a feline patient. The patient underwent multiple surgical procedures over an 18-month period, including initial application of external fixators to the tibiae, patellar groove replacement to address bilateral medial patellar luxation and subsequent transfer of fixation to the femurs following pin loosening and tibial bone failure. Fracture repair, prosthetic adjustments and soft tissue management, including staged stump shortening and skin plasties, were performed as needed. Despite recurrent mechanical complications and revision surgeries, the patient maintained a functional and symmetrical gait at final follow-up. This case highlights both the potential benefits and the limitations of external-fixation-based prostheses. While promising, the method requires extensive surgical planning, close postoperative follow up care and realistic expectations from owners. Further studies are necessary to evaluate long-term outcomes and optimise implant design for this demanding clinical scenario.