Combination of muscular and cutaneous flaps in the management of a tibial wound in a dog: case report

Abstract

Muscular and cutaneous axial pattern flaps are described in veterinary medicine as adjuncts in the management of extensive injuries; however, there are few reports demonstrating their use in tibial injuries in dogs. This report aims to describe the use of a caudal sartorius muscle flap and a caudal superficial epigastric axial cutaneous flap for the coverage of a tibial wound in a dog. The animal was a 1-year-old, 25 kg, spayed female Golden Retriever that was presented after being attacked by a Pitbull, showing an extensive wound on the tibia of the right pelvic limb. Blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasound were performed, all of which were normal. The dog was managed for the trauma and the wound was cleaned until the appropriate time for surgical intervention. After 4 days, the caudal sartorius muscle flap and the caudal superficial epigastric axial cutaneous flap were used to cover the defect. Two months after the procedure, complete healing was achieved, and the animal was discharged from the hospital.