Evaluation of the superior and inferior labial musculomucosal flaps in cats: An angiographic study and case series.

Abstract

To evaluate the angiosomes of the superior and inferior labial arteries in the cat and describe the use of a musculomucosal axial pattern flap incorporating each artery for reconstruction of palatal defects in cats. Cadaveric study and a series of two clinical cases. Five feline cadavers and two client-owned cats. The common carotid arteries of five feline cadavers were injected with barium sulfate. Radiographs of excised tissue specimens were examined to map the location of the superior and inferior labial arteries and to visualize each angiosome available for an axial pattern flap. Labial musculomucosal flaps were utilized to reconstruct palatal defects in two live cats. The superior and inferior labia were predominantly perfused by the superior and inferior labial arteries, respectively, and the angiosome of each artery encompassed the majority of its respective labium. Comparative positive contrast angiograms revealed the vascular supply was located within the musculomucosal layer. Reconstruction of recurrent palatal defects utilizing musculomucosal flaps based on these angiosomes in two clinical cases was successful with complete survival of the flaps. The upper and lower lips were found to have robust vascular supplies within the musculomucosal layer which can support musculomucosal axial pattern flaps. This information provides the veterinary surgeon with additional surgical options for reconstruction of central and caudal palatal defects in the cat.