J L J Proot1, N Jeffery2, W T N Culp3, P Buracco4, B de la Puerta5, J M Williams6, J F Ladlow7, E J Field8, P Nelissen9, R A Ragni10, J F A Pope11, S J Baines12, J M Liptak13, I Nicholson14. 1. Paragon Veterinary Referrals, Wakefield, WF1 2DF, UK. 2. Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA. 3. Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA. 4. Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, Torino, 10095, Italy. 5. North Downs Specialist Referrals, Bletchingley, RH1 4QP, UK. 6. Vets Now 24/7 Hospital Manchester, Manchester, M45 6TQ, UK. 7. Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK. 8. Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Bristol, BS14 9BE, UK. 9. Tierklinik Haar, 85540, Haar, Germany. 10. Blue Cross Animal Hospital, London, SW19 1BD, UK. 11. Hillgarth, The Wrangle Compton Martin, Bristol, BS40 6LB, UK. 12. Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, West Midlands, B90 4NH, UK. 13. Canada - Alta Vista Animal Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, K1T 1M9, Canada. 14. Island Referrals, Isle of Wight, PO33 1QG, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and type of healing complications arising after the use of the caudal auricular axial pattern flap to close defects on the head in dogs and cats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multi-centre retrospective cohort study. Centres were recruited by the Association for Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery Research Cooperative. Medical records of 11 centres were reviewed, and data from all dogs and cats treated with a caudal auricular axial pattern flap were retrieved. The following data were recorded: signalment, reason for reconstruction, flap dimensions, anatomic landmarks used, histological diagnosis, flap healing and whether revision surgery was required. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases were included: 16 dogs and 12 cats. Flap length: width ratio was approximately 3:1 and flap length extended to the scapular spine in most cases. Optimal wound healing occurred in five of 16 (31%) dogs and six of 12 (50%) cats. Wound dehiscence without flap necrosis occurred in one of 16 (6%) dogs and one of 12 (8%) cats. Wound dehiscence with flap necrosis occurred in 10 of 16 (63%) dogs and five of 12 (42%) cats. Revision surgery was performed in eight of 16 (50%) dogs and three of 12 (25%) cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The caudal auricular axial pattern flap can provide full thickness skin coverage for large defects on the head in dogs and cats. Partial flap necrosis is a common complication, and revision surgery may be required in order to achieve final wound closure.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and type of healing complications arising after the use of the caudal auricular axial pattern flap to close defects on the head in dogs and cats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multi-centre retrospective cohort study. Centres were recruited by the Association for Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery Research Cooperative. Medical records of 11 centres were reviewed, and data from all dogs and cats treated with a caudal auricular axial pattern flap were retrieved. The following data were recorded: signalment, reason for reconstruction, flap dimensions, anatomic landmarks used, histological diagnosis, flap healing and whether revision surgery was required. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases were included: 16 dogs and 12 cats. Flap length: width ratio was approximately 3:1 and flap length extended to the scapular spine in most cases. Optimal wound healing occurred in five of 16 (31%) dogs and six of 12 (50%) cats. Wound dehiscence without flap necrosis occurred in one of 16 (6%) dogs and one of 12 (8%) cats. Wound dehiscence with flap necrosis occurred in 10 of 16 (63%) dogs and five of 12 (42%) cats. Revision surgery was performed in eight of 16 (50%) dogs and three of 12 (25%) cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The caudal auricular axial pattern flap can provide full thickness skin coverage for large defects on the head in dogs and cats. Partial flap necrosis is a common complication, and revision surgery may be required in order to achieve final wound closure.