Axial pattern flap based on the cutaneous branch of the superficial temporal artery in dogs: an experimental study and case report.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the anatomic guidelines and viability of an axial pattern flap based on the cutaneous branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in dogs. Application of the flap in a clinical patient is reported. STUDY DESIGN: Flap viability in control and experimental groups was determined 7 days postoperatively. ANIMALS: A total of 14 mature, mesaticephalic dogs; 1 clinical patient. METHODS: The cutaneous branch of the STA and vein were incorporated in the flaps of the experimental groups (group A, n = 5; group B, n = 4) and were ligated in the control group (n = 5). Flap length was extended in experimental group B. Seven days postoperatively, the length and area of tissue that remained viable in each flap was determined and compared with similar measurements performed intraoperatively. Cutaneous fluorescence was also used postoperatively to assess flap perfusion. The flap used in the clinical patient had the same dimensions as flaps developed in group A. RESULTS: Mean survival length (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 9.1 (0.8) cm], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [7.0 (0.6) cm]. Percentage flap length survival (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 91.8 (8.9)%], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [71.6 (7.0)%]. Mean percentage area of survival (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 93.1 (7.5)%], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [73.5 (7.4)%]. Group B flaps had a mean survival length of 10.4 (1.1) cm, percentage flap length survival of 69.5 (4.8)%, and mean percentage area of survival of 69.1 (6.5)%. There was no positive correlation between the area of flap fluorescence at days 0, 1, and 3, and the area of flap survival. Application of the flap in a clinical patient allowed primary wound reconstruction with 100% survival. CONCLUSION: A flap based on the cutaneous branch of the STA may be a source of skin for reconstructive procedures of the maxillofacial region in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks and expected viability of a STA axial pattern flap is essential before consideration of its use as a reconstructive surgical technique.

Regional peripheral vascular supply based on the superficial temporal artery in dogs and cats.

Cutaneous arterial blood supply to the temporal region was evaluated in 8 dogs and 8 cats. Subtraction radiography and angiography of the carotid and superficial temporal arteries were used in 4 dogs and 4 cats to determine arterial blood supply to the temporal region and frontalis muscle. A myocutaneous axial pattern flap based on the superficial temporal artery and frontalis muscle may be indicated for cosmetic reconstruction in dogs and cats following surgical resection of neoplastic lesions or traumatic wounds in the maxillofacial region. The frontalis muscle was identified as the thin subcutaneous continuation of the platysma muscle extending cranially and rostrally. Dissection of the temporal region in 4 dogs and 4 cats revealed the subcutaneous location of the superficial temporal artery as it continues rostrally from the caudal aspect of the zygomatic arch.

Axial pattern flap based on the superficial temporal artery in cats: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the surgical guidelines for and the survivability of an axial pattern flap based on the superficial temporal artery in cats. STUDY DESIGN: The mean survival length and mean percentage area of survival of flaps after 7 days in control and experimental groups, are assessed and compared. ANIMALS: Ten mature, domestic shorthair cats. METHODS: The superficial temporal artery and vein were incorporated in the flaps of the experimental group (n = 5) and were ligated in the control group (n = 5). Seven days postoperatively, the length of tissue that remained viable in each flap was determined by measurement of the length of the grossly devitalized tissue and subtracting this from total flap length. RESULTS: Mean width and length of all flaps was 2.0 x 7.0 cm, respectively. Mean survival length (+/- SD) of experimental and control flaps was 6.9 (0.2) cm and 4.4 (2.2) cm, respectively. Necrosis occurred in all control flaps, resulting in a mean percentage area of survival of 62.8 (11.7)%, compared with 98.6 (3.2)% for experimental flaps. Results were significantly different (P < .05) between the experimental and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: A flap based on the superficial temporal artery may be a source of skin for reconstructive procedures of the maxillofacial region in cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks and survivability of an axial pattern flap are essential considerations when planning a reconstructive technique.

Extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction: a retrospective study of 45 cases (1983-1993).

The medical records of 41 dogs and four cats with either surgical or postmortem confirmation of extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction were reviewed. Clinical signs of icterus, vomiting, anorexia, or a combination of these signs were exhibited by 100% of cases. Elevated serum bilirubin was documented in 37 of 41 dogs and two of four cats (86.6%). The predominant, underlying, pathological process was extraluminal obstruction of the biliary tract due to pancreatitis (19 of 45 cases; 42.2%) or neoplasia (11 of 45 cases; 24.4%). Biliary tract surgery was performed in 29 cases, of which 12 (41.3%) recovered. Animals diagnosed with extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction had a relatively good long-term prognosis, provided they were not compromised substantially due to severe necrotizing pancreatitis or neoplasia.