There are 3 levels where a hindlimb can/should be amputated.
The mid-femoral amputation is the most common level and the easiest surgery. Every veterinary has the surgical skills required to do this procedure. Indications for the mid-femoral amputation include neoplastic disease located at or distal to the stifle (distal femoral tumours should NOT be done at this level) or due to trauma (soft tissue and/or bones) to the hindlimb where surgical repair or conservative management are not an option. Fractures occurring at and distal to the proximal femur can be included here (of course, digits are excluded here as they can be managed by a digit amputation).
The coxofemoral disarticulation amputation is the next level. Indications for this surgery include neoplastic processes that are occurring on the femur/thigh area and for traumatic lesions that are in close proximity to the coxofemoral joint, such as a fracture of the femoral neck. Having said that, if you have such a fracture, I would STRONGLY recommend you consider a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) over an amputation.
The disarticulation amputation is not an easy surgery at all. If you are considering doing it, give yourself a lot of time and select the appropriate type of patient such as a small dog or cat with a distal femoral tumour, for instance. You may wish to avoid a larger breed dog, especially if it has a neoplastic lesion on the proximal aspect of the femur/thigh area because now you have to take margins into consideration.
Finally, there is the hemi/semipelvectomy. This level is used for tumours located in the coxofemoral joint or soft tissues close to this area as well as tumours of the pelvis. This surgery is not for the faint of heart. It is very difficult, requires specialized instrumentation, knowledge, and intense care in the immediate post-operative period. It should not be performed in a general practice.
