Modified bilateral labial/buccal rotational flap with surgical nasal orifice creation following rostral maxillectomy in a dog with nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma.

An 11-year-old neutered male golden retriever dog was presented with a 2-week history of progressive swelling and ulceration of the left nostril and upper lip. Incisional biopsies confirmed nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma with no evidence of metastasis on thoracic imaging or lymph node cytology. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging identified a locally invasive mass involving the left nasal planum. A radical rostral maxillectomy and nasal planectomy were performed, including bilateral excision of the ventral and dorsal mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Reconstruction was achieved using a modified bilateral labial/buccal rotational flap, with surgical creation of a nasal orifice. Histopathologic analysis confirmed complete tumor excision with wide margins but identified micrometastasis in the mandibular lymph nodes. The dog recovered uneventfully with restored nasal airflow and maintained cosmetic and functional outcomes. Five cycles of adjuvant carboplatin chemotherapy were administered. No local recurrence was observed 7 mo postoperatively. This case represents a novel adaptation of an established technique enabling single-stage resection and reconstruction of a complex nasal planum tumor, achieving both functional and cosmetic restoration. Importantly, the modified approach accommodated an asymmetrical labial flap design necessitated by tumor extent, demonstrating its versatility in achieving complete oncologic resection without compromising reconstructive integrity. Key clinical message: This case demonstrated a practical modification of an established reconstructive technique that enables single-stage oronasal reconstruction with restoration of nasal patency following curative-intent resection of nasal planum squamous cell carcinoma.