Reading man flap in four dogs: a case series

Area of Science:

• Veterinary surgery
• Dermatology
• Surgical techniques

Background:

• The reading man flap is a novel technique for closing circular skin defects in human medicine.
• Recent clinical studies on this procedure in small animals are lacking.

Observation:

• This case series evaluated the reading man flap in four dogs undergoing surgical reconstruction for neoplasms.
• The flap was used for wound revision post-neoplasm removal in two dogs and for closure after excision in two others.
• Successful tension-free closure was achieved in all four patients.

Findings:

• The postoperative period was uneventful for most patients, with no flap necrosis or surgical site infection reported.
• Minor complications included partial suture dehiscence in one dog and seroma formation in two dogs.
• One dog required a second anesthesia for active drainage system insertion.

Implications:

• The reading man flap is a well-vascularized fasciocutaneous flap that provides tension-free closure due to its asymmetrical Z-plasty.
• It presents a simple-to-use option for closing circular skin lesions in veterinary patients.
• This technique shows promise for reconstructive surgery in small animals.