Indications, outcome and complications with axial pattern skin flaps in dogs and cats: 73 cases

Abstract

There is a high complication rate associated with axial pattern flaps but these are usually easily managed and long term outcome is excellent, in either species.

Axial pattern skin flaps in cats: 8 cases (2000-2015)

“…Indications for APFs application included traumatic wounds in the majority of the cats and cutaneous deficits following tumor excision in 3 cats. This finding compares favorably with those of others where traumatic wounds are the most common indication for APF application in cats (Remedios et al, 1991;Trevor, 1992;Bauer and Salisbury, 1995;Field et al, 2015). Reconstruction of skin deficits following mastectomy by using skin fold flaps as in our study was never reported in the literature (Hunt 1995;Hunt et al, 2001).…”

“…Skin flaps are classified as subdermal or random flaps and as axial pattern flaps (APFs). Subdermal flaps receive their blood supply from terminal braches of direct cutaneous vessels whereas APFs include a direct cutaneous artery and vein (Remedios et al, 1989;Remedios et al, 1991;Trevor et al, 1992;Remedios and Fowler, 1995;Bauer and Salisbury, 1995;Lascelles and White, 2001;Anderson et al, 2004;Benzioni et al, 2009;Field et al, 2015). Axial pattern flaps have better perfusion and provide a 50% larger viable area compared to subdermal plexus flaps (Pavletic 1981).…”

“…Axial pattern flaps have better perfusion and provide a 50% larger viable area compared to subdermal plexus flaps (Pavletic 1981). Axial pattern flaps commonly used in cats include thoracodorsal, omocervical, lateral thoracic or caudal superficial epigastric artery flaps (Remedios et al, 1989;Remedios et al, 1991;Trevor et al, 1992;Bauer and Salisbury, 1995;Remedios and Fowler, 1995;Lascelles and White, 2001;Anderson et al, 2004;Benzioni et al, 2009;Field et al, 2015). Thoracodorsal axial pattern flap combined with omentalization has been successfully used for reconstruction of axillary nonhealing wounds in cats (Lascelles and White, 2001).…”

“…T rauma, infection or oncologic surgery are common causes of cutaneous defects in cats (Remedios and Fowler, 1995;Field et al, 2015). Options for reconstruction include primary closure, healing by second intention, skin flaps or grafts (MacPhail, 2013).…”

“…Lascelles an White, 2001;Kelly et al, 2015, Field et al, 2015. The purpose of the present study was to describe the application and long-term outcome of APFs in 8 cats that were referred to a university hospital.…”