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

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.

Case Report: Indocyanine Green-Based Angiography for Real-Time Assessment of Superficial Brachialis Axial Pattern Flap Vascularization in Two Dogs

This case report describes the method and feasibility of near-infrared angiography (NIRA) to improve the surgical procedure of two superficial brachial axial pattern flaps intraoperatively using two camera systems. Two client-owned dogs were treated for tumors on their antebrachia with wide surgical excision. The defects were closed with a superficial brachial flap in both cases. A different NIRA camera system was used for each case to identify the perforator vessel and flap margins accordingly. Case 1 developed a seroma and healed without further complications. Case 2 developed partial flap necrosis, underwent revision surgery, and healed by secondary intent. NIRA proved useful intraoperatively in identifying the perforator vessel and determining flap margins. As these are only two cases, caution should be used in extrapolating the results.