Rectus abdominis free muscle flap for reconstruction in nine dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical use and outcome of a rectus abdominis microvascular free flap for wound closure in dogs.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Dogs (n=9) with complex extremity or oral wounds.


METHODS
Medical records (2002-2006) of dogs that had a rectus abdominis free tissue transfer to close an extremity or oral wound were reviewed.


RESULTS
Nine dogs were identified: 5 had distal extremity wounds, 3 had oral palatal defects, and 1 had a large hygroma excised. A rectus abdominis free tissue transfer with a caudal epigastric vascular pedicle was successfully used for management of these wounds. No major complications occurred with the donor site and a good cosmetic and functional outcome occurred in all dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
The rectus abdominis is a versatile muscle that can be used for reconstructing cutaneous and oral defects with repeatable success.


CONCLUSIONS
Free tissue transfer of the rectus abdominis muscle is a clinically useful technique for closure of a variety of difficult soft tissue wounds.
Miller
Jonathan M
JM
Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. millerj@vt.edu
Lanz
Otto I
OI
Degner
Daniel A
DA
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000637:transplantation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing