Temporal horizontal H-figure sliding skin flap for central eyelid reconstructive surgery in dogs: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a modified H-figure sliding skin flap for treating eyelid central neoplasms and to evaluate the cosmetic and functional results of this reconstructive blepharoplasty.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Eight dogs affected by eyelid neoplasia involving more than one-third of the central part of the margin underwent an en bloc rectangular surgical removal of the neoplasia. Reconstructive surgery was performed using a temporal horizontal H-figure sliding skin flap.

RESULTS

At short-term follow-up visits, seven dogs showed no signs of ocular discomfort, whilst one exhibited mild blepharospasm and ocular discharge associated with partial necrosis of the flap. At the 60-day follow-up, all dogs showed good eyelid margin reconstruction and no signs of lagophthalmos or ocular discomfort. Secondary trichiasis was observed in one dog.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The procedure allowed a well-positioned, fully mobile eyelid. The secondary trichiasis observed in one dog did not cause evident ocular discomfort at 6-month follow-up.