Thoracodorsal and Caudal Superficial Epigastric Axial Pattern Skin Flaps in Cats

Abstract

Nonselective angiography, selective angiography, and gross dissection of 15 cadavers were performed to delineate direct cutaneous arteries in the cat. The omocervical, deep circumflex iliac, thoracodorsal, and caudal superficial epigastric arteries were identified by nonselective angiography. Selective angiography and gross dissection allowed assessment of the origin and vascular territories of the thoracodorsal and caudal superficial epigastric arteries. Orthotopic and heterotopic transfers of thoracodorsal and caudal superficial epigastric island flaps were performed on eight cats. All flaps were successful although areas of necrosis at the caudodistal tips were evident in most of the thoracodorsal flaps. The rotated thoracodorsal flaps extended to the carpi. Caudal superficial epigastric flaps enabled coverage to the metatarsus. Seroma formation and partial dehiscence were minor complications.

Axial pattern skin flaps in cats: 8 cases (2000-2015)

“…The combination of omentalization and thoracodorsal flap led to successful healing of a chronic axillary wound in this and in other studies (Lascelles and White, 2001). In another cat of the present study an axillary wound was successfully managed with a thoracodorsal flap with no omentalization (Remedios et al, 1989;Lascelles and White, 2001).There are no studies however, to compare thoracodorsal flap alone and thoracodorsal flap combined with omentalization in cats. Therefore both techniques seem to provide favorable outcomes in cats for reconstruction of chronic axillary wounds.…”

“…It is reported that in cats with shorter limbs in relation to their torso length caudal superficial epigastric flaps can be extended below the tibiotarsal joint (Remedios et al, 1989, Remedios et al, 1991. Caudal superficial epigastric flaps elevated as island flaps have increased mobility and can provide coverage to the metatarsal region (Remedios et al, 1989).…”

“…Skin flaps are classified as subdermal or random flaps and as axial pattern flaps (APFs). Subdermal flaps receive their blood supply from terminal braches of direct cutaneous vessels whereas APFs include a direct cutaneous artery and vein (Remedios et al, 1989;Remedios et al, 1991;Trevor et al, 1992;Remedios and Fowler, 1995;Bauer and Salisbury, 1995;Lascelles and White, 2001;Anderson et al, 2004;Benzioni et al, 2009;Field et al, 2015). Axial pattern flaps have better perfusion and provide a 50% larger viable area compared to subdermal plexus flaps (Pavletic 1981).…”

“…Axial pattern flaps have better perfusion and provide a 50% larger viable area compared to subdermal plexus flaps (Pavletic 1981). Axial pattern flaps commonly used in cats include thoracodorsal, omocervical, lateral thoracic or caudal superficial epigastric artery flaps (Remedios et al, 1989;Remedios et al, 1991;Trevor et al, 1992;Bauer and Salisbury, 1995;Remedios and Fowler, 1995;Lascelles and White, 2001;Anderson et al, 2004;Benzioni et al, 2009;Field et al, 2015). Thoracodorsal axial pattern flap combined with omentalization has been successfully used for reconstruction of axillary nonhealing wounds in cats (Lascelles and White, 2001).…”

Management of distal limb skin defects in dogs and cats

“…They have rich perfusion and an increased rate of survival (96-100%) (Remedios et al, 1989;Aper and Smeak, 2003;2005). When compared to subdermal plexus flaps with equal dimensions, they have 50% more possibilities for survival 1993;Wardlaw and Lanz, 2012).…”