J Vet Sci.  2023 Jan;24(1):e14. 10.4142/jvs.22158.

Use of a semitendinosus myocutaneous flap for the coverage of hindlimb full-thickness skin defects in cats

• Dermisiadou E
• Panopoulos I
• Psalla D
• Georgiou S
• Sideri A
• Galatos A
• Tsioli V

• KMID: 2539435
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.22158

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 tomographyangiography (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.

Keyword

Cats; myocutaneous flap; semitendinosus muscle