Skin flap surgery for wound repair in cats - results and risks

Abstract

Objectives The aim of the present study was to report the outcome and postoperative complications of wound reconstruction in cats using axial pattern flaps (APFs) and subdermal plexus flaps (SPFs), and to assess associations between location, indication, flap type, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Methods The surgical records of 52 cats undergoing 62 subdermal plexus flap (SPF) or axial pattern flap (APF) reconstructions were retrospectively reviewed from 2014 to 2025. Data collected included signalment, indication, location, flap type, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Descriptive analyses and associations between variables were assessed. Results Chronic wounds were the most common indication (53/62; 85.5%), followed by mass removal and acute wounds. Among APFs, the lateral caudal flap was the most employed (7/30; 23.3%), while the skin fold flap was the most frequent SPFs (19/32; 62.5%). A significant association was observed between anatomical location and clinical indication (P = 0.028). Overall complication rates did not differ significantly between APFs and SPFs. The most frequently observed complications were necrosis (45.2%) in all flaps. No significant associations were identified between clinical indication and wound dehiscence. Flap dehiscence was significantly more prevalent in SPFs applied to the dorsal body (7/8; 87.5%; P = 0.032). Conclusions and relevance APFs and SPFs demonstrated comparable overall complication rates in feline wound reconstruction. While most complications were similar between flap types, anatomical location may be associated with wound dehiscence in SPFs, emphasizing the importance of careful flap selection.