Retrospective study of axial pattern and subdermal plexus skin flaps in cats: clinical indications, surgical sites, complications and outcomes.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to report the outcome and postoperative complications of wound reconstruction in cats using axial pattern flaps (APFs) and subdermal plexus flaps (SPFs), and to assess associations between location, indication, flap type, postoperative complications and outcomes.MethodsThe surgical records of 52 cats undergoing 62 SPF or APF reconstructions were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2025. Data collected included signalment, indication, location, flap type, postoperative complications and outcomes. Descriptive analyses and associations between variables were assessed.ResultsChronic wounds were the most common indication (n = 53/62, 85.5%), followed by mass removal and acute wounds. Among APFs, the lateral caudal flap was the most employed (n = 7/30, 23.3%), while the skin fold flap was the most frequent SPF (n = 19/32, 59.4%). A significant association was observed between anatomical location and clinical indication (P = 0.028). Overall complication rates did not differ significantly between APFs and SPFs. The most frequently observed complications were necrosis (45.2%) in all flaps. No significant associations were identified between clinical indication and wound dehiscence. Flap dehiscence was significantly more prevalent in SPFs applied to the dorsal body (n = 7/8, 87.5%; P = 0.032).Conclusions and relevanceAPFs and SPFs demonstrated comparable overall complication rates in feline wound reconstruction, with chronic wounds being the most common indication. Anatomical location was associated with wound dehiscence only in the dorsal body, with more wound dehiscence in SPFs than APFs, emphasising the importance of careful flap selection for each body area.