Rapid Tissue Expansion for the Development of Rotational Skin Flaps in the Distal Portion of the Hindlimb of Dogs: An Experimental Study

In phase I, tissue expanders were implanted subcutaneously over the lateral crural region of four dogs. The expanders were inflated daily to maintain a constant intraluminal pressure for 7 days. All animals tolerated the pressurized expanders well. Some animal patient discomfort was associated with repeated injections into the subcutaneous filling port. One dog developed a limited area of tissue loss and exposure of the expander. Tissue response to the expanders included epidermal hyperplasia, dermal collagen compression with early fibroplasia, and subcutaneous granulation tissue formation adjacent to the expander pocket. In phase II, a second group of four dogs underwent rapid skin expansion over 7 days. The pressure applied to the expanding skin was determined daily and adjusted to approximate the value reported for capillary pressure in the dog. Tissue discoloration occurred in two dogs, suggestive of impaired circulation. Skin flaps were developed from expanded skin and rotated over the talocrural region. Wound dehiscence occurred along the distal flap margin in three phase II dogs. These wounds healed by second intention. Branches of the caudal saphenous artery were identified, using angiography, as the primary blood supply to the skin flaps.