MICROVASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION OF A FACIAL DEFECT IN A RED-NECKED WALLABY (MACROPUS-RUFOGRISEUS)

A red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) presented with a chronic d raining tract located ventral to the right eye. Surgical debridement r esulted in zygomaticofacial nerve injury with sensory loss in the lowe r eyelid and subsequent corneal ulcer formation. Due to overwhelming i nfection, transpalpebral enucleation and extensive debridement of the right orbit and zygomatic region were performed. After surgery, the de fect was managed as an open wound for 10 days. A trapezius musculocuta neous free flap was then harvested and anastomosed onto vessels at the recipient bed to cover the entire facial defect. Postoperative compli cations included edema and seroma formation which resolved with conser vative management. One year after microvascular reconstruction, clinic al signs had not recurred. At this time the cosmetic appearance of the area of surgical repair is acceptable, and the wallaby is on public d isplay.