Evaluation of wound healing effect of advancement skin flap technique for closure of critical abdominal skin defect in a dog

Aim: The main objective of the study was to describe the use of bipedicle advancement skin flap techniques for closure of critical abdominal skin defects following abdominal skin tumour excision in dog. Materials and Methods: A six year old Dachshund dog underwent reconstruction of critical abdominal skin defect following abdominal skin tumour with wide margins. The incision was made 2 cm away from the base of the tumour. The created large defect was reconstructed with the bipedicle advancement skin flap technique. The flap was created from either side of the flank region, elevated from underlying muscle layer, transposed and sutured over the defect without skin tension and compromising limb mobility. Post-operative antibiotics and analgesics were followed for 5 days. The skin flap viability was assessed subjectively by gross observation of the flap such as colour, pain sensation test, atropine absorption test was done on 3rd, 6th and 9th post-operative days. Tissue samples were collected from the surgical site on days 7th, 14th and 21st post-operatively for histopathological evaluation and healing status of the skin flap. Results: The advancement skin flap was simple to create, easy to elevate and gave a good cosmetic appearance post-operatively. Subjective evaluation and histopathological evaluation of the skin flap was indicates the viability and healing progress of the skin flap throughout the healing period. The surgical wound was healed by primary intension healing on 17th post- operative day without any major complications.Conclusion: The advancement skin flap was effective and simple to cover the large defect in the ventral abdomen region. The dog recovered uneventfully with good cosmetic appearance.