EVALUATION OF THE CRANIAL RECTUS ABDOMINUS MUSCLE PEDICLE FLAP AS A BLOOD-SUPPLY FOR THE CAUDAL SUPERFICIAL EPIGASTRIC SKIN FLAP IN DOGS

This study evaluates the cranial rectus abdominus muscle pedicle flap as the sole blood supply for the caudal superficial epigastric skin fl ap. This flap was composed of a cranially based rectus abdominus muscl e pedicle flap that was attached to the caudal superficial epigastric island skin flap (including mammary glands 2 to 5) via the pudendoepig astric trunk, Selective angiography of the cranial epigastric artery i n eight cadaver dogs proved that the arterial vasculature in the crani al rectus abdominus was contiguous with that in the caudal superficial epigastric skin flap. In the live dog study, three of six of the flap s failed because of venous insufficiency. Necrosis of mammary gland 2 occurred in two of six flaps. One of six flaps survived with the excep tion of the cranial most aspect of mammary gland 2. Angiography of the cranial epigastric artery proved that arterial blood supply to these flaps was intact. Histological evaluation of the failed flaps showed f ull-thickness necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, the prese nce of severe congestion, and venous thrombosis. Retrograde venous blo od flow through the flap was inconsistent, and hence resulted in failu re of this myocutaneous flap. Use of this flap for clinical wound reco nstruction cannot be recommended. (C) Copyright 1996 by The American C ollege of Veterinary Surgeons.