Staged double-layer closure of palatal defects in 6 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report a staged approach that includes selective dental extractions before definitive double-layer hard palate defect closure in dogs. STUDY
DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 6) with a palatal defect.
METHODS: Dogs had selective maxillary teeth extractions 4-8 weeks before definitive hard palate defect repair by double-layer local full-thickness mucosal flaps.
RESULTS: All palatal defects were considered complex. Complete hard palate closure was achieved after initial attempt in 3 dogs; 2 dogs had revision surgery before complete closure, and in 1 dog, closure failed and further treatment was declined. No complications or long-term consequences were associated with selective dental extractions.
CONCLUSIONS: Selective dental extractions before definitive surgical repair using mucosal flaps in a double-layer approach is an effective alternative when treating complex hard palate defects in dogs. © Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.