Clinical indications and outcome of omocervical axial pattern flaps in dogs and cats: six cases (2016-2024)

The objective of this study was to report the use, complications and outcome of the omocervical axial pattern flap in a series of clinical cases.

Multicentre retrospective cohort study. Medical records of dogs and cats treated with an omocervical flap for closure of a skin defect were reviewed. Information regarding signalment, indications, flap size, flap healing and postoperative complications including need for surgical revision and overall outcome were collected.

Six patients were included: four dogs and two cats. Indications for the omocervical axial pattern flap included closure of a defect following mass removal (3/6, 50%), scar revision surgery (1/6, 16.7%), chronic inflammation (1/6, 16.7%) and trauma (1/6, 16.7%). Postoperative complications occurred in all cases (100%). Minor complications (83%) included minor skin irritation (1/6), haematoma formation (1/6), dehiscence (1/6), infection (1/6) and necrosis (1/6). Major complications (16%) included flap necrosis needing revision surgery.

The use of omocervical axial pattern flaps is linked to a high rate of postoperative complications, though most are manageable with conservative treatment. The omocervical axial pattern flap is effective for reconstructing skin defects in the orofacial, cervical, shoulder and axillary regions.