The extended SCA pattern flap may be adapted for closure of oral defects.

A 10-year-old, neutered male cocker spaniel-cross experienced regurgitation, dry retching, and weight loss. A large, mediastinal mass and dilatation of the esophagus were seen on thoracic radiographs. Cytological, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and serological findings were consistent with a lymphoepithelial thymoma and focal, esophageal myasthenia gravis. Surgical removal of the mass resulted in rapid resolution of the megaesophagus and a decrease in serum acetylcholine-receptor antibody concentration. The dog was clinically normal until the thymoma recurred six months postoperatively. Clinical signs, diagnostic evaluation, management, and treatment of a dog with thymoma and megaesophagus are described.

Skin defects on the distal extremities of six dogs were reconstructed with free vascular cutaneous transfers by microvascular anastomosis. The donor flaps were based on the superficial cervical artery and vein. In five of the dogs, bone was exposed and skin was lost from half of the circumference of the limb. Two had infected fractures with sequestra and three had acute shearing injuries. The sixth dog had sensory denervation of the left antebrachium and a carpal acral lick granuloma. Before surgery, the patency of potential recipient vessels was confirmed with arteriography in five dogs and an ultrasonic doppler in one dog. Microvascular technique was used to reestablish circulation to the flaps after they were transferred to the recipient site. Total ischemic time of the flaps averaged 100 minutes. All flaps survived. Successful reconstruction of the cutaneous defects was achieved in these six cases.

Laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation was successfully performed in two dogs. Aberrant vessels were noted on visual examination of the abdominal vasculature. Cellophane bands were placed around the vessel laparoscopically for attenuation. The dogs had minimal postoperative morbidity, and there was biochemical evidence of adequate shunt ligation at follow-up examination.