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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
In situ Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap: A Rat Model of Myocutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Published on: June 8, 2013
Rectus abdominis free muscle flap for reconstruction in nine dogs
Jonathan M Miller1, Otto I Lanz, Daniel A Degner
1Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. millerj@vt.edu
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.
