Journal of Veterinary Science

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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Use of a semitendinosus myocutaneous flap for the coverage of hindlimb full-thickness skin defects in cats

  • Eleftheria Dermisiadou (Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly) ;
  • Ioannis Panopoulos (Alphavet, Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Center) ;
  • Dimitra Psalla (Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) ;
  • Stefanos Georgiou (Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly) ;
  • Aikaterini Sideri (Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly) ;
  • Apostolos Galatos (Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly) ;
  • Vassiliki Tsioli (Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly)
  • Received : 2022.06.09
  • Accepted : 2022.11.08
  • Published : 2023.01.31
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Abstract

Background: The management of feline hindlimb full-thickness skin defects is challenging. On the other hand, the use of a semitendinosus (ST) myocutaneous flap for their coverage has not been reported. Objectives: To describe the ST flap and compare it with second intention healing for managing hindlimb full-thickness skin defects. Methods: In 12 purpose-bred laboratory domestic short-haired cats, two wounds were made on each tibia. The wounds in group A (n = 12) were covered with ST flaps, and those in group B (n = 12) were left to heal by second intention. In both groups, clinical assessment scoring and planimetry were performed between one-30 d postoperatively. Computed tomography-angiography (CTA) was performed on days zero, 10, and 30, and histological examinations were performed on days zero and 14 and at 6 and 12 mon postoperatively. Results: Statistically significant differences in the clinical assessment scores were observed between groups A and B on days 14 (p = 0.046) and 21 (p = 0.016). On the other hand, the time for complete healing was similar in the two groups. CTA revealed significant differences in the muscle width (day 0 compared to days 10 and 30 [p = 0.001, p = 0.026, respectively], and days 10 to 30 [p = 0.022]), ST muscle density, and the caliber of the distal caudal femoral artery and vein (day 0 compared to day 10 [p < 0.001], and days 10 to 30 [p < 0.001]). Histologically significant differences in inflammation, degeneration, edema, neovascularization, and fibrosis were observed on day 14 compared to zero and 6 mon, but no differences were found between the time interval of 6 and 12 mon. Conclusions: An ST flap can be used effectively to manage hindlimb full-thickness skin defects.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors thank Mr. Konstantinos Krikonis, Head of Data Analysis, for his significant support in statistical data analysis and Associate professor P.G. Gouletsou for her assistance in editing some of the figures. In addition, the authors are grateful to Pharmacell Greece for providing some of the products used in the study.

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