📖 ABSTRACT/OVERVIEW
Limb amputation in dogs is performed for osteosarcoma, severe trauma, non-reconstructable fractures, and irreversible ischemia, yet longitudinal assessment of owner-reported quality of life outcomes following amputation in the Nigerian companion animal population has not been undertaken. This doctoral study conducts a longitudinal multi-center analysis of quality of life outcomes after limb amputation in dogs using an adapted and validated quality of life instrument across teaching hospitals in Lagos, Enugu, Abuja, Ibadan, Maiduguri, and Kano between 2021 and 2024. A prospective cohort of 96 amputee dogs was enrolled, with quality of life assessments conducted at two weeks, three months, six months, and twelve months post-amputation using the Nigeria Companion Animal Quality of Life Score, developed and validated in the first phase of this study. Pain scores, physical function indices, social interaction measures, and owner-reported psychological wellness of the patient were measured at each time point. Quality of life scores improved significantly from two weeks to three months in all domains. Dogs amputated for traumatic indications showed faster functional recovery than those amputated for neoplastic disease. Body weight above 35 kg was identified as a negative modifier of long-term mobility outcomes. By twelve months, 82% of dogs scored above the threshold for good quality of life. Owner acceptance of amputation was high at 91% retrospectively. This longitudinal dataset provides original, nationally validated evidence on amputee dog quality of life in Nigeria, supporting informed surgical consent discussions and post-amputation rehabilitation program development. Keywords: limb amputation, quality of life, canine, longitudinal study, multi-center Nigeria.
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