Complications and influence of cutaneous closure technique on subdermal plexus flaps in 97 dogs (2006-2022).

Abstract

To determine the incidence and severity of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs and compare the complications when using sutures or staples for cutaneous closure of subdermal plexus flaps. Retrospective monocentric study. Ninety-seven client-owned dogs. Dogs that underwent wound reconstruction using subdermal plexus flaps were retrospectively identified. Type of flap, cutaneous closure technique, complications and level of complication associated with their use were recorded. Follow-up was considered adequate if it was more than 10 days postoperatively or until a complication occurred. Complications were seen in 52 dogs (53.6%), of which 13/18 (72.2%) of dogs had cutaneous closure with skin staples versus 39/79 (49.3%) with skin sutures. The location of the mass/wound on the head and use of an advancement flap was associated with lower incidence of complications (p < .001; p = .018 respectively). Location of the mass/wound on the proximal pelvic limb was associated with a low level of complications (p = .01) on univariable analysis only. On multivariable analysis, only an increased bodyweight was associated with an increased incidence of complications (p = .029). Increased weight may be associated with an increased risk of complications with subdermal plexus flaps. No risk factor was found to be associated with the severity of complications. Overall incidence of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs in this study was 53.6%. The number of dogs included in the study was not sufficient to assess if the skin closure technique affects the incidence of complications.