Closure of a massive truncal defect post sarcoma resection by using the preserved skin from the amputated forelimb in a cat.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a surgical technique for extensive wound closure following radical excision of a feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) using skin harvested from an amputated limb, adopting the "spare parts" concept from human oncologic surgery.

ANIMAL: One cat diagnosed with a feline injection-site sarcoma involving the thoracic limb region.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

Following diagnosis of a large, infiltrative FISS requiring radical excision and limb amputation, the resected limb was used to harvest viable skin for wound closure. A limb fillet flap technique, adapted from human reconstructive surgery, was used to achieve tension-free closure of the extensive surgical defect without the need for additional donor sites.

RESULTS

The wound healed uneventfully, with satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. No major postoperative complications were observed, and the use of filleted limb skin provided adequate coverage of the resection site.

CONCLUSION

Successful adaptation of a limb fillet flap technique from human reconstructive oncology for wound closure following radical FISS excision was achieved. To the authors' knowledge, this approach has not been previously reported in the veterinary literature and represents a practical option for reconstruction of large oncologic defects in cats.