Axial pattern flap based on the lateral caudal arteries of the tail in the dog: an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine applicability and size limits of an axial pattern flap based on the lateral caudal arteries in dogs to reconstruct caudodorsal trunk skin defects.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Ten mature, mixed breed dogs.


METHODS
The lateral caudal vessels of the tail were incorporated in the flaps of the treatment group (n=5) and were ligated in the control group (n=5). Flaps were rotated and placed into experimentally created caudodorsal skin defects on the trunk. The length and area of tissue that remained viable in each flap were determined.


RESULTS
Mean (+/-SD) survival area (222.8+/-32.9 cm2) and length (25.1+/-4.5 cm) of vascularized flaps were significantly greater (P<.05) compared with control flaps (94.9+/-13.4 cm2 and 14.61+/-4.7 cm). Necrosis occurred in all control flaps, resulting in lower percentage flap area (48.8%) and length (47.1%) survival compared with vascularized flaps (78.1%, 77.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Axial pattern flap based on lateral caudal arteries of the tail was successfully elevated and transferred in a single procedure, with 78% survival for closure of large experimentally created caudodorsal trunk defects in dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Large cutaneous defects of the caudodorsal trunk area in dog could be reconstructed with tail axial pattern flap. Limitations in terms of size and changes in animal appearance have to be considered before flap elevation.
Saifzadeh
Siamak
S
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. s.saifzadeh@mail.urmia.ac.ir
Hobbenaghi
Rahim
R
Noorabadi
Mehdi
M
D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*; D013623:Tail / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing