Clinical evaluation of random skin flaps based on the subdermal plexus secured with sutures or sutures and cyanoacrylate adhesive for reconstructive surgery in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of subdermal plexus skin flaps for closing defects after excision of cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and to compare outcome of flaps secured with sutures and those secured with butyl-cyanoacrylate and intermittent sutures.


METHODS
Clinical study.


METHODS
Fifteen dogs.


METHODS
After excision of cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors the skin defect was reconstructed by random flaps based on the subdermal plexus. Flap skin edges were apposed with simple interrupted 4-0 monofilament nylon sutures (group 1; 5 dogs) or nylon sutures alternated with butyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive (group 2; 10 dogs). Flaps were evaluated every 48 hours when bandages were changed, until complete healing.


RESULTS
Random flaps based on the subdermal plexus were effectively used to close wound defects; mean flap survival was 89%. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 4 dogs. Wound margins apposed with butyl-cyanoacrylate had thinner and more esthetic scars than sutured margins.


CONCLUSIONS
Random flaps based on the subdermal plexus proved to be versatile for covering limb wounds after excision of cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors. Mean survival rate was comparable to that reported for axial pattern flaps. Butyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive was easy to apply, allowed accurate margin apposition with good cosmetic outcome and reduced sutures needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyanoacrylate adhesive should be considered in lieu of suture closure to secure random skin flaps based on the subdermal plexus in dogs.
De Carvalho Vasconcellos
Carmen Helena
CH
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Matera
Julia Maria
JM
Zaidan Dagli
Maria Lúcia
ML
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004659:Enbucrilate / Q000592:standards*; D005121:Extremities / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
D004659:Enbucrilate