Transplantation of the thigh from one dog to another

Abstract

The first attempts at transplanting a limb from one animal to another were made last year in the University of Chicago by Guthrie and myself. No definite results were observed because of infection or the breaking of the bone suture.

Lately the transplantation of the thigh from one dog to another was tried again with an improved technique.

On April 23, 1907, at 9.50 a. m., a medium-sized dog was killed with chloroform. At 10.20 a. m. the left thigh of the cadaver was amputated just below its middle part, perfused with Locke's solution and placed on a table of the laboratory, the temperature being 88-90° F.

At 11 a. m., a medium-sized bitch was etherized, her left thigh amputated and immediately replaced by the thigh of the dead dog. The reconstruction of the thigh began by the suture of the bone, the adductors and quadriceps. Then the femoral vessels were united and the circulation re-established at 1 p. m. The operation was completed by the suture of the nerves, muscles, aponeuroses and skin, and the limb placed in a plaster of Paris apparatus.

On April 23, 24 and 25 the animal remained in good condition and walked on her three normal feet. The transplanted limb was warmer than the normal one and its circulation very active. On April 26, she appeared to be sick. There was a phlegmon of the thigh. Incisions were made in Scarpa's triangle and on the transplanted limb, which was warm. Hemorrhage of red blood occurred from the incisions in the transplanted limb.

During the succeeding days, the circulation of the limb remained active, the foot became swollen and the general condition of the animal declined. On May I, a large abscess was detected near the pelvis and opened.