Piezoelectric device use in sinus osteotomy for equines is feasible but may extend time to accomplish frontonasal bone flap.

OBJECTIVE: Sinus osteotomy is currently performed in equine surgery with conventional surgical methods, such as trephines and oscillating bone saw, leading to subsequent trauma to the bone during cutting. Piezoelectric devices are now used in maxillofacial surgery in humans as a standard tool as it is less traumatic than the oscillating bone saw and shortens the healing period. The aim of this study was to show that the piezoelectric device can be used for equine sinus surgery, compare its use with the oscillating bone saw, and describe the outcome of cases involving osteotomy performed with a piezoelectric surgical device. ANIMALS: 10 horse specimens for cadaveric study and 11 client-owned equines for clinical evaluation. METHODS: Each cadaveric head underwent a frontonasal bone flap on a randomly assigned side with the piezotome and the oscillating bone saw on the opposite side. Surgical time was recorded for every procedure, and gross examination was performed. A Welch t test was used to compare the surgical time between piezoelectric and oscillating saw use. For the clinical study, animals presented for sinonasal surgery at the hospital from March through October 2023 were included. RESULTS: Osteotomy was possible with the piezotome in all animals. Surgical time was significantly increased when using the piezotome in comparison with the oscillating saw (P < .05). All clinical patients were treated adequately for the sinonasal disorder they were presented for using the piezotome instead of the oscillating saw. No adverse effects nor long-term complications related to its use have been noted, and preservation of the surrounding soft tissues was evident. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of a piezoelectric device in equine surgery is feasible. However, the cadaveric study showed an increased surgical time to perform a frontonasal bone flap.

Use of near-infrared fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green to evaluate direct cutaneous arteries used for canine axial pattern flaps.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of near-infrared angiography (NIRFA) to identify the vascularization of three canine axial pattern flaps (APFs) omocervical (OMO), thoracodorsal (THO), and caudal superficial epigastric (CSE); to establish a vascular fluorescence pattern (VFP) grading system; and to evaluate the effect of NIRFA on surgeon flap dimension planning compared to traditional landmark palpation (LP) and visualization assessments. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: A total of 15 healthy, client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs were sedated and flap sites were clipped. LP-based margins were drawn and preinjection images were recorded. Indocyanine green (ICG) was administered and VFP images were recorded. VFP scores were determined by five surgeons. Margin alterations were performed based on NIRFA-ICG images. Altered measurements were compared between LP and NIRFA-ICG images. RESULTS: Vascularization of the CSE flap was most visible with NIRFA with VFP scores 4/4 for 13/15 dogs. Intersurgeon agreement for VFP grades was poorest for THO (ICC = 0.35) and intermediate for OMO (ICC = 0.49) flaps. Surgeons were more likely to adjust dimensions for CSE flaps relative to OMO (OR 17.3, 95% CI: 6.2, 47.8) or THO (25.5; 8.6, 75.7). CONCLUSION: Using a grading system, we demonstrated that the CSE flap was most visible. Surgeons were more likely to adjust the LP-CSE flap margins based on fluorescence patterns and were more likely to rely on LP when visualization scores were low. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: NIRFA has possible applications identifying some direct cutaneous arteries of APFs and their associated angiosomes in real-time. Further investigation is indicated to study NIRFA's potential to improve patient specific APF planning.

Use of a haired angularis oris axial pattern flap in a dog to correct a large oronasal fistula secondary to resection of a hard palate multilobular osteochondrosarcoma.

A 6-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog underwent curative-intent surgical resection of a hard palatal multilobular osteochondrosarcoma and closure of the defect using bilateral buccal mucosal flaps. However, failure of the flaps resulted in a massive hard palatal defect that was subsequently repaired using a haired skin angularis oris axial pattern flap. This report describes the clinical outcome using this surgical approach and novel complications encountered. Key clinical message: The haired skin angularis oris axial pattern flap appears to be a suitable and robust option for reconstruction of large palatal defects.

Utilisation d'un lambeau cutanée poilus avec rotation axiale au niveau de l'artère angularis oris chez un chien pour corriger une fistule oronasale volumineuse secondaire à la résection d'un ostéochondrosarcome multilobulaire du palais dur. Un chien croisé mâle castré de 6 ans a subi une résection chirurgicale à visée curative d'un ostéochondrosarcome multilobulaire du palais dur et une fermeture de l'anomalie par des lambeaux de la muqueuse buccale. Cependant, la défaillance des lambeaux a entraîné un défaut important du palais dur qui a ensuite été réparé à l'aide d'un lambeau de peau avec poils avec rotation axiale au niveau de l'artère angularis oris. Ce rapport décrit les résultats cliniques de cette approche chirurgicale et les nouvelles complications rencontrées.Message clinique clé :L'utilisation d'un lambeau de peau avec poils avec rotation axiale au niveau de l'artère angularis oris semble être une option appropriée et robuste pour la reconstruction des défauts importants du palais.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Risk factors for complicated perioperative recovery in dogs undergoing staphylectomy or folded flap palatoplasty: Seventy-six cases (2018-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors for complicated perioperative recovery of dogs undergoing either staphylectomy or folded flap palatoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Seventy-six client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent either staphylectomy or folded flap palatoplasty were reviewed for signalment, brachycephalic risk (BRisk) score, history of gastrointestinal signs, laryngeal collapse grade, presence of preoperative aspiration pneumonia, intraoperative respiratory and cardiovascular complications, length of general anesthesia, number of corrected brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) components, and gastrointestinal and respiratory postoperative complications. Complicated recovery was defined as requirement for prolonged oxygen treatment and/or tracheostomy or perioperative death. Penalized logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Seventy-six dogs were enrolled in the study. Multivariate penalized logistic regression identified four risk factors for complicated recovery. These include surgery type (p = .0002), age (p = .0113), laryngeal collapse grade >2 (p < .0001) and length of general anesthesia (p = .0051). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, dogs that had staphylectomy, increasing age, laryngeal collapse grade >2 and increasing length of general anesthesia were at increased risk for perioperative complicated recovery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study identified risk factors for perioperative complicated recovery in dogs undergoing elongated soft palate correction and may assist in surgical planning and early prediction of complications.

Application of preputial tube-flap urethroplasty to establish a neourethra in a male dog with complications after preputial urethrostomy.

A 14-year-old male poodle weighing 7.5 kg presented due to complications after preputial urethrostomy for management of preprostatic urethral rupture. Revision surgery was performed with preputial tube-flap urethroplasty via preputiotomy. A longitudinal flap was raised from the prepuce and anastomosed to the end of the previously cut urethra to create a neourethra and reduce tension at the urethrostomy site. Follow-up retrograde positive contrast urethrography performed 10 days and 6 months postoperatively showed no contrast leakage from either the neourethra tube flap or new preputial urethrostomy. A follow-up email questionnaire, based on the American Urological Association Symptom Index, was completed by the owner 6 months after surgery. The dog had excellent symptom scores, and urinated from the prepuce without difficulty in a manner resembling physiological urination.

Complications and influence of cutaneous closure technique on subdermal plexus flaps in 97 dogs (2006-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and severity of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs and compare the complications when using sutures or staples for cutaneous closure of subdermal plexus flaps. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective monocentric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Ninety-seven client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs that underwent wound reconstruction using subdermal plexus flaps were retrospectively identified. Type of flap, cutaneous closure technique, complications and level of complication associated with their use were recorded. Follow-up was considered adequate if it was more than 10 days postoperatively or until a complication occurred. RESULTS: Complications were seen in 52 dogs (53.6%), of which 13/18 (72.2%) of dogs had cutaneous closure with skin staples versus 39/79 (49.3%) with skin sutures. The location of the mass/wound on the head and use of an advancement flap was associated with lower incidence of complications (p < .001; p = .018 respectively). Location of the mass/wound on the proximal pelvic limb was associated with a low level of complications (p = .01) on univariable analysis only. On multivariable analysis, only an increased bodyweight was associated with an increased incidence of complications (p = .029). CONCLUSIONS: Increased weight may be associated with an increased risk of complications with subdermal plexus flaps. No risk factor was found to be associated with the severity of complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Overall incidence of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs in this study was 53.6%. The number of dogs included in the study was not sufficient to assess if the skin closure technique affects the incidence of complications.

Use of a barrier membrane to repair congenital hard palate defects and to close oronasal fistulae remaining after cleft palate repair: seven dogs (2019-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a barrier membrane in dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and closure of oronasal fistulae (ONF) remaining after previous cleft palate (CFP) repair. ANIMALS: 7 client-owned dogs. METHODS: The hard palate defect was closed with medially positioned flaps (Von Langenbeck technique) or pedicle flaps (2-flap palatoplasty) and a membrane composed of autologous auricular cartilage from the pinna or allogenous fascia lata underlying the mucoperiosteal flaps. RESULTS: All palate defects were considered to have a high risk of dehiscence based on their type and size and the characteristics of the surrounding tissue. The barrier membrane was used in 5 dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and in 2 dogs for closure of ONF remaining after previous CFP repair. Resolution of clinical signs occurred in all cases. Complete success (ie, complete closure of the palate defect and absence of clinical signs) was achieved in 5 dogs (4 with congenital hard palate defects and 1 with an ONF remaining after previous CFP repair). The persistent ONF in 1 dog with functional success (incomplete closure, but no clinical signs) was smaller than prior to surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Barrier membranes underlying mucoperiosteal flaps may constitute an alternative technique in dogs for repair of congenital hard palate defects and closure of ONF remaining after previous CFP repair.

Flap of the sternocephalicus muscle in the repair of a partial defect in the trachea of a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Purpose: The current study aimed at evaluating the repair of a partial defect of the trachea with a muscle flap, an advanced technique that employs combined suture patterns. Methods: Sixteen healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were used as an experimental model. A partial defect in the trachea within the ventral region of the fourth to eighth tracheal ring was created. Subsequently, repair was initiated with a flap of the sternocephalicus muscle. The animals were divided into four groups for postoperative evaluation using clinical, tracheoscopic, and histopathological analyses. Each group was separated according to the time of euthanasia, programmed at interval of seven (G7), 15 (G15), 30 (G30), and 60 days (G60). Results: One animal from the G60 group died, whereas the other animals had good surgical recovery without serious changes in the breathing pattern. The major clinical signs observed were stridor and coughing. Tracheoscopy revealed secretions in the tracheal lumen, exuberant granulation, and stenosis. Histopathological analysis showed growth of the ciliary respiratory epithelium at the flap site 30 days after implantation. Conclusions: Partial repair showed satisfactory results owing to the anatomical location of the muscle, adequate vascular support, and structural and physiological maintenance without serious changes in the respiratory system.

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.

A modified full-thickness labial/buccal rotational flap reconstruction technique following bilateral rostral maxillectomy and nasal planectomy for resection of maxillary tumors: Technique and results in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a naso-facial reconstruction technique following bilateral rostral maxillectomy and its functional and cosmetic outcomes. ANIMALS: Two dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case series. METHODS: Two dogs were presented with a right rostral maxillary mass. Preoperative biopsy and staging revealed a biologically high-grade and histologically low-grade fibrosarcoma (Hi-Lo FSA). A combined nasal planectomy and radical bilateral rostral maxillectomy was performed sparing the labial/buccal mucocutaneous flaps bilaterally. Surgery resulted in asymmetry of the width of the flaps; the narrower flap was rotated medially to reconstruct the lip and create an oral vestibule. The wider flap was rotated medially to cover the remaining dorsolateral opening of the nasal conchae. The flaps overlapped in a parallel manner, discretely concealing the nasal passages, and separating them from the oral cavity. Hemorrhage occurred in both dogs, with one dog requiring a blood transfusion postoperatively. RESULTS: Oral Hi-Lo FSA with tumor-free margins was confirmed in both dogs. Both dogs recovered uneventfully within 4 weeks. Owners reported being very satisfied with the functional (return to normal exercise/activities and uncompromised respiration) and cosmetic outcomes. Based on the owners' telephone follow up, no tumor recurrence was noted at 15 (Dog 1) and 6 (Dog 2) months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The full-thickness bilateral labial/buccal rotational flaps were used successfully to reconstruct the rostral maxilla, external nose and facial defects involving the nasal cavity. The technique resulted in acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes and can be considered for naso-facial reconstruction in selected cases.

Application of a distant, direct, single-pedicle hinge flap for reconstruction of a circumferential cutaneous defect of the thoracic limb in a dog.

A 4-year-old, neutered male, mixed-breed dog initially presented to a tertiary referral center for suspected mushroom intoxication and subsequent necrotizing fasciitis of the right thoracic limb. One day after presentation, a fasciotomy was carried out to remove necrotic tissue, leaving an extensive cutaneous defect spanning from axilla to carpus and occupying 75 to 100% of the circumference of the limb. Following establishment of a bed of granulation tissue, a distant, direct, single-pedicle flap was performed using the lateral thoracoabdominal skin. The limb was flexed at the shoulder and secured to the body wall during flap healing. Staged division of the flap was initiated 20 d after flap harvesting and completed 3 d later. Complete reconstruction of the large circumferential cutaneous defect was obtained 56 d after initial presentation. No major complications were encountered. At 387 d postoperatively, the dog had clinically normal limb function and was free of lameness. Key clinical message: This case report demonstrates the successful use of a distant, direct, single-pedicle hinge flap for reconstruction of a large thoracic limb wound spanning from axilla to carpus in a dog. This technique should be considered a viable limb-sparing, surgical option for resolution of extensive cutaneous thoracic limb wounds.

Application d'un lambeau distant, direct, à pédicule unique pour la reconstruction d'un défaut cutané circonférentiel du membre thoracique chez un chien. Un chien de race mixte mâle castré de 4 ans a été initialement présenté à un centre de référence tertiaire pour suspicion d'intoxication aux champignons et de fasciite nécrosante subséquente du membre thoracique droit. Un jour après la présentation, une fasciotomie a été réalisée pour enlever le tissu nécrotique, laissant un vaste défaut cutané s'étendant de l'aisselle au carpe et occupant 75 à 100 % de la circonférence du membre. Après la mise en place d'un lit de tissu de granulation, un lambeau distant, direct, à pédicule unique a été réalisé en utilisant la peau thoraco-abdominale latérale. Le membre était fléchi au niveau de l'épaule et fixé à la paroi corporelle pendant la cicatrisation du lambeau. La division par étapes du lambeau a été initiée 20 jours après la récolte des lambeaux et terminée 3 jours plus tard. La reconstruction complète du grand défaut cutané circonférentiel a été obtenue 56 jours après la présentation initiale. Aucune complication majeure n'a été rencontrée. À 387 jours après l'opération, le chien avait une fonction cliniquement normale du membre et n'avait pas de boiterie.Message clinique clé :Ce rapport de cas démontre l'utilisation réussie d'un lambeau distant, direct et à pédicule unique pour la reconstruction d'une grande plaie d'un membre thoracique s'étendant de l'aisselle au carpe chez un chien. Cette technique doit être considérée comme une option chirurgicale viable épargnant les membres pour la résolution des plaies cutanées étendues des membres thoraciques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Mucocutaneous subdermal plexus flap for complete excision of a malignant dermal and conjunctival melanoma in a dog.

PURPOSE: To perform a reconstructive blepharoplasty to obtain complete surgical excision of a darkly pigmented raised conjunctival-eyelid mass of the lower eyelid in a dog. ANIMAL STUDIED: A 7-year-old, female-spayed, Yorkshire Terrier was evaluated for a slowly progressive, dark brown-to-black raised mass of the lower left eyelid. Sampling of the mass via fine-needle aspirate or incisional biopsy was declined, and an excision of the mass with the goal to obtain complete margins and maintain normal eyelid function with cosmesis was elected. PROCEDURES: The lower palpebral conjunctival-eyelid pigmented mass was excised en bloc and the lower eyelid was reconstructed with a mucocutaneous subdermal plexus flap. RESULTS: Histopathology revealed a malignant dermal and conjunctivalmelanoma excised with complete margins (1-2 mm). Short-term complications included corneal ulceration and eschar formation, which resolved completely at the 1-month follow-up. Long-term complications included mild trichiasis with epiphora and porphyrin staining. Tumor recurrence was not observed during an 8-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The en bloc excision with mucocutaneous subdermal plexus flap was successful in obtaining complete surgical margins for a malignant conjunctival-eyelid melanoma. An excellent functional and cosmetic outcome was achieved without tumor recurrence during an 8-month follow-up period. A mucocutaneous subdermal plexus flap can be considered as a surgical option for malignant melanoma of the lower eyelid.

Standard and modified glabellar flap for medial canthus reconstruction following mass removal in three dogs and two cats.

PURPOSE: To describe the surgical technique and clinical outcomes of the glabellar flap and its modification for the reconstruction of the medial canthus following resection of tumors in three dogs and two cats. METHODS: Three dogs (7-, 7-, and 12.5-year-old mixed breeds) and two cats (10- and 14-year-old Domestic shorthair) presented with a 7-13 mm tumor affecting the eyelid and/or conjunctiva in the medial canthal region. Following en bloc mass excision, an inverted V-shaped skin incision was made in the glabellar region (i.e., the area between the eyebrows in humans). The apex of the inverted V-shaped flap was rotated in three cases, whereas a horizontal sliding movement was performed in the other two cases to better cover the surgical wound. The surgical flap was then trimmed to fit the surgical wound and sutured in place in two layers (subcutaneous and cutaneous). RESULTS: Tumors were diagnosed as mast cell tumors (n = 3), amelanotic conjunctival melanoma (n = 1), and apocrine ductal adenoma (n = 1). No recurrence was noted in a follow-up time of 146 ± 84 days. Satisfactory cosmetic outcome with normal eyelids closure was achieved in all cases. Mild trichiasis was present in all patients and mild epiphora was noted in 2/5 patients, but there were no associated clinical signs such as discomfort or keratitis. CONCLUSIONS: The glabellar flap was easy to perform and provided a good outcome in terms of cosmetic, eyelid function, and corneal health. Postoperative complications from trichiasis appear to be minimized by the presence of the third eyelid in this region.

Surgical closure of cleft palate defects in dogs using a modification of the traditional von Langenbeck technique: 12 cases (2015-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the author's surgical guidelines for the effective use of a modified von Langenbeck technique, utilizing bilateral bipedicle mucoperiosteal flaps in the dog. ANIMALS: 12 client-owned dogs with cleft palate defects of the hard and soft palates. PROCEDURES: 12 dogs with cleft palate were presented to the Angell Animal Medical Center from May 20, 2015, to March 24, 2022. The patient's ages ranged from 5 months to 3 years. All 12 dogs had closure of the hard palate clefts by use of modifications of the original von Langenbeck technique in this prospective study. RESULTS: Successful closure of the cleft (hard and soft) palate defects was achieved in all 12 dogs in a single surgical procedure. A small residual opening was noted at the level of the incisive papilla in each dog; this was of no clinical consequence in this report. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The von Langenbeck technique, using the simple closure modifications reported, was effective in closing both narrow and wide defects. Successful execution requires the complete elevation of each flap, which facilitates their tension-free advancement over the palatal cleft. Vertical mattress sutures evert the flap margins, allowing for direct collagen surface contact for proper healing. Placement of sutures in the rugal folds increases the tissue purchase to reduce the risk of suture cut-out. Fine interrupted sutures, placed between the vertical mattress sutures, maintains the proper alignment of the incisional margins. The author waits a minimum of 5 months before closing cleft palate defects, enabling the donor areas time to mature and improving their ability to retain sutures more effectively.

Evaluation of Survival of Subdermal Plexus Skin Flaps in 8 Cats After Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma injection on the survival of experimentally developed subdermal plexus skin flaps in cats. Two flaps, 2 cm wide and 6 cm long were created bilaterally in the dorsal midline in 8 cats. Each flap was randomized to 1 of 2 groups: platelet-rich plasma injection and control. After flap development, the flaps were immediately placed back on the recipient bed. Then 1.8 mL of platelet-rich plasma was equally injected into 6 different parts of the treatment flap. All flaps were evaluated macroscopically daily and on days 0, 7, 14, and 25 by planimetry, Laser Doppler flowmetry, and histology. Mean flap survival on day 14 was 80.437 % (±22.745) for the treatment group and 66.516 % (±24,12) for the control group with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .158). Histologically, a significant difference was found between the base of the PRP and the control flap in edema score on day 25 (P = .034). In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the use of platelet-rich plasma in subdermal plexus flaps in cats. However, the use of platelet-rich plasma may aid in reducing edema of subdermal plexus flaps.

Buccal transposition flap for closure of maxillary lip defects in 5 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and outcomes of the closure of maxillary lip defects using a buccal transposition flap and to identify potential routes of vascular supply to the flap. ANIMALS: Five dogs treated clinically and 1 cadaveric dog head. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series and cadaveric study. METHODS: A left maxillary labial defect and a buccal transposition flap were created on a cadaver head. Iodinated contrast was injected into the left common carotid artery and computed tomography was performed to assess the vascular supply. Medical records were reviewed for all dogs that underwent tumor excision with maxillary lip resection, reconstructed with a buccal transposition flap. RESULTS: The buccal transposition flap was perfused by branches of the angularis oris artery and superior labial artery. Five dogs were included in this study. All flaps survived. Three dogs developed postoperative complications, including oronasal fistula (n = 2) and partial flap dehiscence (n = 1). The cosmetic and functional outcomes were considered satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSION: Buccal transposition flaps for the closure of large maxillary lip defects provided adequate functional and cosmetic outcomes. The buccal transposition flap had vascular contributions from the angularis oris artery and the superior labial artery.

Random mucosal rotating flaps for rostral to mid maxillary defect reconstruction: 26 dogs (2000-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and the complications following single or double random mucosal rotating (transposition or interpolation) flaps for the closure of rostral to mid maxillary defects in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs treated with single or double random mucosal rotating flaps after maxillectomy for oral lesions or traumatic loss of tissue, were evaluated. Clinical findings, surgery performed, outcome and postoperative complications (major and minor) were extracted. RESULTS: Twenty-six client-owned dogs were retrospectively included. Dogs underwent maxillectomy for canine acanthomatous ameloblastomas (9), oral squamous cell carcinomas (4), peripheral odontogenic fibromas (4), oral melanomas (3), oral fibrosarcomas (2), dentigerous cysts (2) and oral osteosarcoma (1) and trauma resulting in an oronasal fistula (1). Twenty-three dogs underwent a single transposition or interpolation flap and three dogs were treated with a double transposition flap. Postoperative complications, including dehiscence or flap necrosis, occurred in six dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Random mucosal rotating (transposition or interpolation) flaps are versatile when used to close rostral maxillary defects in dogs. Postoperative complications appear to be more likely when these flaps are used to close mid maxillary defects.

Use of skin flaps for reconstructive surgery in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the use of single-pedicle advancement flaps in the fixed skin regions of the head, neck and paravertebral region in guinea pigs. METHODS: Ultrasonography was performed on the guinea pigs to visualise the vascular anatomy of the looser regions of the thorax and abdomen and the more fixed paravertebral region and neck. Flap surgeries were then planned and undertaken on seven guinea pigs, with six having tumours on the lip, under the eye, the forehead, the neck or the paravertebral pelvic region, and one having a large paravertebral pelvic scar of unknown origin altering the animal's movement. The previously recommended 2:1 flap length:base width ratio was not enough in most cases, so larger flaps (3.5:1) were required. RESULTS: All seven single-pedicle advancement flaps survived and healed with outstanding results. CONCLUSION: The authors recommend to use reconstructive surgery in guinea pigs when there is a need to close large or difficult wounds, even on areas of fixed skin. Adequate arterial supply and sufficient venous outflow can be provided with larger flap length:base width ratios than previously suggested and can lead to full recovery.

Estabilização zigomática e retalho de avanço facial lateral em canino filhote / Zygomatic stabilization and lateral facial advancement flap in a puppy dog

O trauma é frequentemente relatado na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, podendo gerar fraturas de componentes ósseos e lesões de tecidos moles adjacentes. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se relatar o caso de um canino, macho, sem raça definida, de sete meses de idade, vítima de trauma craniomaxilofacial decorrente de mordedura, diagnosticado com fratura e deslocamento de osso zigomático, além de importante laceração de pele. O tratamento estabelecido baseou-se no debridamento da ferida, estabilização cirúrgica de arco zigomático com fios de Nylon e na sutura dos ferimentos de pele causados. Em um segundo tempo cirúrgico, foi realizada enucleação e recobrimento do defeito na órbita com malha cirúrgica de polipropileno, além de remoção de tecido exuberante e confecção de retalho subdérmico de avanço facial lateral para recobrimento do defeito cutâneo. A complicação evidenciada na primeira intervenção cirúrgica foi a deiscência das suturas de pele, enquanto no segundo tempo cirúrgico, não houve sinais de complicações. No pós-operatório, o paciente apresentou evolução clínica satisfatória, recebendo alta médica 21 dias após o segundo procedimento cirúrgico realizado. Tendo em vista a adequada evolução clínica, bem como os reduzidos efeitos colaterais, sugere-se que a conduta clínica e técnicas cirúrgicas adotadas para tratamento do paciente em questão foram efetivas.

Trauma is frequently reported in the small animal clinics, and can lead to fractures of cranial bone components and injuries to the adjacent soft tissues. In the present study, the objective was to report the case of a seven-month-old male mongrel dog, that had a craniomaxillofacial trauma resulting from a bite, characterized by zygomatic bone fracture and displacement, in addition to a major skin laceration. The stablished treatment was based on wound debridement, surgical stabilization of the zygomatic arch with nylon threads and in the suturing of skin wounds. In a second surgical procedure, enucleation was performed and a surgical polypropylene mesh was applied to cover the orbital defect, exuberant tissue was removed and a subdermal advancement flap was used to cover the skin defect. The complication observed in the first surgical intervention was dehiscence of the skin sutures, while in the second surgical procedure, there were no signs of complications. Postoperatively, the patient had a satisfactory clinical recovery, being discharged 21 days after the second surgical procedure. Considering the adequate clinical evolution and the reduced complications, it issuggestedthat the clinical conduct and surgical techniques adopted for the treatment of the patient in question were effective.

Evaluation of the superior and inferior labial musculomucosal flaps in cats: An angiographic study and case series.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the angiosomes of the superior and inferior labial arteries in the cat and describe the use of a musculomucosal axial pattern flap incorporating each artery for reconstruction of palatal defects in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and a series of two clinical cases. SAMPLE POPULATION: Five feline cadavers and two client-owned cats. METHODS: The common carotid arteries of five feline cadavers were injected with barium sulfate. Radiographs of excised tissue specimens were examined to map the location of the superior and inferior labial arteries and to visualize each angiosome available for an axial pattern flap. Labial musculomucosal flaps were utilized to reconstruct palatal defects in two live cats. RESULTS: The superior and inferior labia were predominantly perfused by the superior and inferior labial arteries, respectively, and the angiosome of each artery encompassed the majority of its respective labium. Comparative positive contrast angiograms revealed the vascular supply was located within the musculomucosal layer. Reconstruction of recurrent palatal defects utilizing musculomucosal flaps based on these angiosomes in two clinical cases was successful with complete survival of the flaps. CONCLUSION: The upper and lower lips were found to have robust vascular supplies within the musculomucosal layer which can support musculomucosal axial pattern flaps. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This information provides the veterinary surgeon with additional surgical options for reconstruction of central and caudal palatal defects in the cat.