Dentistry and Oral Surgery Resident Dixboro Veterinary Dental Center
Evaluation of the Superior and Inferior Labial Musculomucosal Flaps in Cats: An Angiographic Study and Case Series. Canever L1, Degner D2. 1Dixboro Veterinary Dental Center, Grand Blanc, MI; 2Animal Surgical Center of Michigan, Flint, MI.
Literature regarding techniques for reconstruction of palatal defects specific to the cat is sparse. The objective of this study was to evaluate the angiosomes of the superior and inferior labial arteries in feline cadavers and investigate the use of a musculomucosal axial pattern flap incorporating each artery for reconstruction of palatal defects. This study also presents a clinical case report describing the use of each flap in a live patient. Cadaveric dissection and contrast angiography were performed in five feline cadavers in order to map the superior and inferior labial arteries and their associated tributaries and to visualize each angiosome available for an axial pattern flap. Within the upper lip, there was extensive branching and choke anastomoses of the superior labial artery with branches of the infraorbital artery. This angiosome extended from the labial commissure to the mesiobuccal line angle of the canine tooth. Within the lower lip, there was extensive branching and choke anastomoses of the inferior labial artery with branches from the mental and sublingual arteries. This angiosome extended from the labial commissure to the lower lip frenulum. Reconstruction of palatal defects in the two clinical cases were successful and without any major complications. The angiosomes of the superior and inferior labial arteries are robust and appear sufficient to be used as the basis of axial pattern flaps. The main limitation of this study was its primary dependence on cadaveric investigation. These flaps offer additional options to the veterinary surgeon for the repair of palatal defects in cats.