Genicular artery axial pattern flap for reconstruction of skin defects in 22 dogs

Short-term outcome and complications following cutaneous reconstruction using cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps in dogs: six cases (2008-2022)

OBJECTIVES

To investigate short-term outcome and complications following the use of the cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flap to reconstruct cutaneous defects in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records from dogs undergoing reconstructive surgery between 2008 and 2022 by means of cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flap were reviewed. Data on signalment, reason for reconstruction, defect size, flap healing, post-operative complications and need for revision surgery were collected.

RESULTS

Six dogs were included in the study. Indications for reconstruction included neoplasia (4/6), skin necrosis due to vehicular trauma (1/6) and dog bite (1/6). Postoperative complications occurred in 50% of the patients and included seroma (1/6), bruising (2/6) and necrosis of the distal portion of the flap (2/6), with two dogs developing concurrent complications. One dog required open wound management and additional surgery. Overall outcome was scored excellent in three, good in two, and fair in one dog.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Despite the relatively high complication rate, most of the complications were deemed minor and could be managed conservatively. Eventually, all wounds healed completely and only one flap required revision surgery.

Outcome of superficial brachial axial pattern flaps used to close skin defects in dogs: 16 cases (1996-2019)

OBJECTIVES

To report the complication rate, type of complications and outcome of the superficial brachial axial pattern flap when used for closure of skin defects in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of dogs treated with a superficial brachial axial pattern flap for closure of a skin defect were reviewed. Information regarding signalment, reason for axial pattern flap use, skin flap size, flap healing, postoperative complications and need for revision surgery was collected.

RESULTS

Sixteen dogs were included in the study. Indications for the superficial brachial axial pattern flap included closure following tumour removal (15/16, 94%) and management of a non-healing wound on the olecranon (1/16, 6%). Postoperative complications occurred in all dogs and included partial dehiscence (7/16, 44%), partial flap necrosis (6/16. 38%), seroma formation (5/16, 31%), flap oedema (3/16, 19%) and complete flap necrosis (2/16, 13%). Eight flaps (50%) healed without open wound management or additional surgery. Five dogs required open wound management without additional surgery, and three dogs (19%) required revision surgery.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Use of the superficial brachial axial pattern flap was associated with a high rate of complications. Most complications were managed without additional surgery and all wounds eventually healed, in some cases after prolonged open wound management.

Superficial temporal axial pattern flap for facial reconstruction of skin defects in dogs and cats

OBJECTIVES

Report the use, complications and outcome of the superficial temporal axial pattern flap (STA) when used for closure of skin defects localised to the maxillofacial region in dogs and cats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multi-centre retrospective cohort study. Medical records of dogs and cats treated with a STA flap for closure of skin defects were reviewed. Information regarding signalment, reason for axial pattern flap use, flap size, flap healing, postoperative complications including need for surgical revision and overall outcome were collected.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included: nine dogs and 10 cats. Indications for the STA flap included closure of defects following excision of tumours (18/19, 94.7%) and fungal granuloma resection (1/19, 5.2%). 100% flap survival occurred in 17 of 19 flaps (89.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in eight of 19 flaps (42.1%). A major complication of full thickness partial necrosis of the flap occurred in one of 19 cases (5.2%), where the flap length exceeded recommended guidelines. Minor complications related to the flap were seen in four of 19 cases (21%). This included partial thickness flap necrosis, flap oedema and wound discharge. Complications related to the location of surgery (5/19, 26.3%) included mild ectropion, mild exposure of the eye, reduced ability to blink and subcutaneous emphysema.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The STA flap is a good option for closure of a skin defect localised to the maxillofacial region. STA flaps were associated with a high percentage of survival and a low incidence of major complications.