Studies on Reconstruction of Large Skin Defects following Mammary Tumor Excision in Dogs
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Date
2017-12
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Abstract
Aim: The main objective of the study was to describe the use of skin fold advancement flaps (SFAFs) and other reconstructive
techniques for closure of large skin defects following mammary tumor excision in dogs.
Materials and Methods: Twelve dogs underwent reconstruction of large ventral skin defects following mammary tumor
excision with wide margins. Skin fold flaps (flank fold flap and elbow fold flap) were elevated from the flank and
elbow region, respectively, and transposed and sutured onto the large ventral skin defect following mastectomy in all
the dogs. In addition to the skin fold flaps, other reconstructive techniques such as undermining, walking sutures, and
tension-relieving suture techniques were followed during surgery in the closure of large skin defects without skin tension
and compromising limb mobility. The skin flap viability was assessed subjectively by gross observation of the flap such
as color, temperature, capillary perfusion, and cosmetic appearance, and scoring (1-4) was done. Tissue samples were
collected from a surgical site on days 3, 6, and 12 post-operatively for histopathological evaluation and healing status of
the skin flap.
Results: All the surgical wounds healed primarily, without any major complications and the skin flap remained healthy
throughout the healing process post-operatively. Distal flap necrosis was noticed in one case and necrosis of skin flap
between two suture lines was noticed in another case in which the necrotized distal portion healed by secondary intention
after 7 days. The mean survival of subdermal plexus flap in the above cases was 98% which was a subjective evaluation
based on surface area of the skin defect measured by Image ̒J software and the flap dimensions. The average healing of skin
flap in days was 14.91±0.86.
Conclusion: The SFAFs along with other reconstructive techniques help in the reconstruction of large ventral skin defects
following mastectomy in dogs without much compromising limb mobility.
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Keywords
Veterinary Science, Veterinary Surgery and Radiology