Objective: To report the use of the genicular artery axial pattern flap and the frequency and severity of complications in a consecutive series of clinical cases.
Materials and methods: Medical records from one referral centre were retrospectively reviewed for cases requiring reconstruction using a genicular axial pattern flap between January 2012 and February 2018.
Results: Twenty-two dogs were included. Skin defects ranging from 12.6 to 81 cm2 (mean 32 cm2 ) on the lateral and cranial crus were successfully closed using the genicular artery axial pattern flap. Average flap survival was 99.1% with two dogs developing distal flap necrosis. Minor complications occurred in eight dogs (36%) including minor wound dehiscence, seroma formation and infection. Major complications requiring further surgery occurred in three dogs (13.6%).
Clinical significance: The genicular artery axial pattern flap is useful in the reconstruction of small- to medium-sized skin defects of the lateral and cranial crus. The flap may be more robust and offer better viability than reported previously in experimental studies.
© 2019 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.