Indications, outcome and complications with axial pattern skin flaps in dogs and cats: 73 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the indications, frequency of complications and long term outcome associated with axial pattern flaps used to repair wound defects in dogs and cats.


METHODS
Medical records from two independent referral centres for dogs and cats undergoing wound repair with an axial pattern flap were reviewed.


RESULTS
Seventy-three animals were included, 49 dogs: 24 cats. Indications for axial pattern flaps were chronic wounds (43/73; 59%) and closure following tumour resection (30/73; 41%). Axial pattern flaps used were: thoracodorsal, caudal superficial epigastric, reverse saphenous conduit, superficial brachial, deep circumflex iliac, superficial cervical, caudal auricular, lateral thoracic, cranial superficial epigastric, genicular and superficial temporal. Postoperative complications occurred in 64 patients (89%) and 8 patients (11%) had no complications. Complications were: dehiscence, swelling of the flap, necrosis, infection, discharge and seroma. Flap outcome was excellent in 16 patients (23%), good in 29 (41%), fair in 21 (30%) and poor in 5 (7%).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Langford Veterinary Services, University of Bristol, Langford BS405DU.
E J
EJ
Field
Pet Doctors Ryde, Ryde PO332NU.
G
G
Kelly
Boundary Veterinary Clinic, Abingdon OX14 2AA.
D
D
Pleuvry
Dick White Referrals Station Farm, Six Mile Bottom CB8 0UH.
J
J
Demetriou
Willlows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Shirley, Solihull B90 4NH.
S J
SJ
Baines
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*