Rectus abdominis free muscle flap for reconstruction in nine dogs

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical use and outcome of a rectus abdominis microvascular free flap for wound closure in dogs. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Dogs (n=9) with complex extremity or oral wounds. Methods Medical records (2002-2006) of dogs that had a rectus abdominis free tissue transfer to close an extremity or oral wound were reviewed. Results Nine dogs were identified: 5 had distal extremity wounds, 3 had oral palatal defects, and 1 had a large hygroma excised. A rectus abdominis free tissue transfer with a caudal epigastric vascular pedicle was successfully used for management of these wounds. No major complications occurred with the donor site and a good cosmetic and functional outcome occurred in all dogs. Conclusion The rectus abdominis is a versatile muscle that can be used for reconstructing cutaneous and oral defects with repeatable success. Clinical Relevance Free tissue transfer of the rectus abdominis muscle is a clinically useful technique for closure of a variety of difficult soft tissue wounds. © Copyright 2007 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.