Platysma myocutaneous flap for head and neck reconstruction in cats

Squamous cell carcinoma is the fourth most common neoplasm in cats. As in man, local resective surgery of stage III and IV carcinoma often results in recurrence related to compromised margins. Radical resective procedures may be performed when reconstructive techniques are available to restore cosmesis and function. A platysma myocutaneous flap that was based on a cutaneous branch of the caudal auricular artery and vein was developed to fulfill this requirement. Control flaps, which included ligation and division of the caudal auricular artery and vein, were similarly developed on the contralateral aspect of the neck. Mean survival of all platysma myocutaneous flaps (86.7%), compared with control flaps (62.9%), was significantly different (p < .05). Flaps grouped in lengths of 6, 9, and 12 cm had mean survival lengths of 93.8%, 81.9%, and 84.4%, respectively. The mean survival length of flaps measuring 12 cm in length was significantly different (p < .05) compared with flaps measuring 6 and 9 cm. On the basis of the results of this study, the platysma myocutaneous flap based on a cutaneous branch of the caudal auricular artery and vein may be a source of tissue for reconstructive procedures of the head and neck in cats.