Hard palate defect repair by using haired angularis oris axial pattern flaps in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the repair of large hard palate defects with a haired angularis oris axial pattern flap (HAOF) and to report the postoperative outcome.

STUDY

DESIGN

Anatomical cadaver study and short case series.

ANIMALS: One cadaver and three dogs with neoplasia of the caudal hard palate.

METHODS

Large caudal and central hard palate defects were reconstructed by using the HAOF. The flap, composed of full-thickness skin and buccal mucosa, was rotated at the base of the angularis oris artery. The haired surface of the skin flap was placed facing into the oral cavity.

RESULTS

Reconstruction of defects extending as far rostral as the maxillary canine tooth were feasible on the cadaver. The flap in dog 1 healed without complication and was intact at day 649 after surgery. Two minor areas of dehiscence were noted in dog 2, without further evidence of complications at 1331 days after surgery. Dog 3 had upper respiratory obstructive noise due to swelling immediately after surgery. These signs resolved, but local recurrence of the tumor prompted euthanasia at day 86.

CONCLUSION

Anatomical studies provide evidence that the HAOF can be used to reconstruct caudal and central hard palate defects extending to the maxillary canine teeth. Its clinical use led to successful closure of such defects in three dogs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: HAOF provides an alternative for reconstruction of large defects of the caudal and central hard palate.