Successful treatment of a metacarpal trophic ulcer utilizing a neurovascular island flap

A 4-year-old, neutered male, soft coated wheaten terrier mixed-breed dog was presented for evaluation of a nonhealing ulcer of the metacarpal pad of 10 to 12 weeks' duration. A diagnosis of an ulnar nerve deficit and secondary trophic ulceration was made. The ulcer was repaired using a neurovascular island flap. Postoperatively, a fiberglass clamshell splint was used to protect the healing flap. The flap healed successfully and developed a highly keratinized epithelium much like a normal footpad.