Use of skin stretchers to elongate a peninsular thoracodorsal axial pattern flap for antebrachial wound closure in a dog.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe preoperative use of skin stretchers to elongate a peninsular thoracodorsal axial pattern flap to close a large antebrachial wound on a dog.

STUDY DESIGN:

Case report.

ANIMALS:

A 21 kg, 7-year-old, male intact mixed breed dog.

METHODS:

Two skin stretchers were applied to the site of the thoracodorsal axial pattern flap 4 days before surgery. The elastic cables connecting the adhesive pads were tightened daily to increase the skin available for a peninsular thoracodorsal axial pattern flap, which was created and rotated 180° to cover an antebrachial defect to a level 2 cm proximal to the carpus.

RESULTS:

The entire flap survived; there was a small amount of incisional separation at the distal margin of the flap that healed without further treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative skin stretching provided additional skin for the axial pattern flap used.

• Authors: David E Holt, Jeffrey Runge
• Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS (Vet Surg) Vol. 40 Issue 3 Pg. 352-6 (Apr 2011) ISSN: 1532-950X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21314701 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © Copyright 2011 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Topics

• Animals
• Dog Diseases (surgery)
• Dogs
• Male
• Plastic Surgery Procedures (methods, veterinary)
• Surgical Flaps (veterinary)
• Wound Closure Techniques (veterinary)
• Wound Healing (physiology)
• Wounds and Injuries (surgery, veterinary)