Complications and results of tail flap surgery in 14 cats

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of the lateral caudal axial pattern flap in cats for reconstructing caudodorsal trunk defects in cats, and to report complication types, complication rates, and flap outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Fourteen client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records of cats that underwent reconstruction of caudodorsal defects using a lateral caudal axial pattern flap were reviewed retrospectively. Recorded data included signalment, cause, and dimensions of the defect, flap dimensions (length, width, percentage of tail length), intraoperative and short-term postoperative complications, and flap outcomes. RESULTS: The flap was used to cover defects following tumor excision in 85.7% of cats. The mean flap length relative to tail length was 61.3%. Intraoperative complications occurred in 1/14 cats (7.1%), and postoperative complications in 7/14 cats (50%). The most common complications were partial flap dehiscence (14.2%), seroma (14.2%), and edema (14.2%). In 8/14 cats (57.1%), flap healing was uncomplicated, and in 6/14 cats (42.8%), only minor complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The lateral caudal axial pattern flap appears to be a valid option for closing defects in the caudodorsal region of the trunk in cats. The flap length relative to tail length was similar to values reported in dogs. Although the overall complication rate may be higher in cats, the majority of cats experienced either no complications or only minor ones. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This axial pattern flap constitutes a reliable and effective reconstructive technqiue for the closure of cutaneoaus defects located in the caudodorsal region of the feline trunk.