A Comparison of the Cutaneous Trunci Myocutaneous Flap and Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in the Dog

Latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps of equal dimension and location were randomly elevated on opposite sides of the thorax in 10 dogs (group 1) and resutured to their respective bed. The procedure was repeated in four additional dogs (group 2); however, the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery and vein were divided at the base of each cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap, whereas the cutaneous pedicle and underlying cutaneous trunci muscle were divided in the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps to determine subsequent skin survivability and the major source of circulation of each myocutaneous flap. There was little difference in the percentage of skin survival between the latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps in group 1 dogs. Circulation to the "skin island" of group 2 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps originated from intramuscular anastomotic connections between the major branch of the thoracodorsal artery entering the latissimus dorsi muscle and the proximal lateral intercostal arteries perforating the muscle. Ligation of the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery resulted in partial skin necrosis in all group 2 cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps. Results from this study indicate that it is unnecessary to elevate the latissimus dorsi muscle for major skin flap elevation and survival. The thicker latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is more difficult to develop surgically and appears to have no clinical major advantage over the more mobile cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap or the adjacent thoracodorsal axial pattern flap for closure of large skin defects within the radius of flap rotation.     

Lateral Thoracic Artery Axial Pattern Flap in Cats

Objective— To describe the location of the lateral thoracic artery (LTA), determine dimensions of an axial pattern flap based on this artery, and report use of this flap in 2 cats.
Study Design— Ex vivo study and case reports.
Animals— Cat cadavers (n=8); cats (n=2) with thoracic limb skin defects.
Methods— Dissection of the LTA was carried out on 1 side of each cadaver and the contralateral side was used for injection studies. In 4 specimens, the LTA was cannulated and injected with positive contrast material and the flap was raised and radiographed. In 4 specimens, the flap was injected with methylene blue. Adequacy of flap injection was subjectively evaluated and leakage of methylene blue from the cut edge was noted.
Results— The cutaneous location of the LTA caudal to the triceps muscle was confirmed. Mean flap size was 8.7 cm × 15.5 cm for a mature, averaged-sized cat. Perfusion of the entire flap was demonstrated and viability of the flap was confirmed in 2 clinical cases.
Conclusion— The LTA flap is useful for repair of skin defects of the brachium and antebrachium in cats.
Clinical Relevance— The LTA flap is an alternative technique for repair of skin defects involving the thoracic limb of cats.     

Muscle Flap Closure of a Frontocutaneous Fistula in a Horse

A frontal sinus fistula was corrected surgically using a temporalis muscle flap and split thickness skin graft in a horse. The operative approach for temporalis muscle transposition is described. Application of the temporalis muscle flap allowed restoration of a functional covering and excellent final appearance.     

Reverse Saphenous Conduit Flap in Cats: An Anatomic Study

The vascular anatomy of the reverse saphenous conduit flap in cats was denned by contrast radiography of both hindlimbs of 18 feline cadaver specimens. In all 36 flaps, flow of contrast medium from the femoral artery to the distal end of the flap was documented. Direct anastomosis of the superficial branch of the cranial tibial artery with the cranial branch of the saphenous artery and communication of the caudal branch of the saphenous artery with the perforating metatarsal artery, via the medial and lateral plantar arteries, was documented. The cranial branch of the medial saphenous vein was shown to anastomose with the cranial branch of the lateral saphenous vein. The presence of these anastomoses support the feasibility of the reverse saphenous conduit flap as an option for reconstruction of wounds of the metatarsus in cats.     

The Anatomic Basis for a Trapezius Muscle Flap in Dogs

The anatomy of the cervical part of the trapezius muscle and its dominant vascular supply, the prescapular branch of the superficial cervical artery, was studied by dissection and selective angiography of 16 canine cadavers. The prescapular branch of the superficial cervical artery supplies blood to the skin of the caudal half of the neck and the cervical part of the trapezius muscle and is a minor contributor to other muscles of the neck. In these dogs, the mean length of the vascular pedicles was 4.4 cm and the mean diameter was 1.0 mm. With this information, it is possible to design a broad musculocutaneous flap suitable for reconstructive microsurgery in dogs. The potential for successful incorporation of the scapular spine in such a flap remains uncertain.     

Caudal Sartorius Muscle Flap in the Dog

An anatomic study was performed on canine cadavers to define the blood supply to the caudal sartorius muscle. The vascular supply to this muscle was segmental with the saphenous artery and vein providing a distal vascular pedicle. Anastomotic channels existed between distal and proximal capillary beds within the muscle belly. This anatomic information was used to determine the feasibility of performing caudal sartorius muscle flaps in dogs. The caudal sartorius muscle was transposed to the medial tibial region in four dogs. The muscle flap was based on a singular vascular pedicle of the saphenous artery and vein. The muscle transpositions were all successful on day 14 as evidenced by gross appearance and results of histologic examination. Grossly, the muscles were well adhered to the recipient sites and were covered by connective tissue. Histologically, the specimens were characterized by viable skeletal muscle fibers, large amounts of granulation tissue, varying degrees of inflammatory response, and small foci of myocyte necrosis (2 cases). Seroma formation was a consistent postoperative complication.     

Cranial Sartorius Muscle Flap in the Dog

An anatomic study was performed on canine cadavers to define the blood supply to the cranial sartorius muscle. The vascular supply to this muscle was found to be a single dominant pedicle branching from the femoral artery at the proximal portion of the muscle. This anatomic information was applied in designing a study to determine the feasibility of performing a cranial sartorius muscle flap in the dog. The cranial sartorius muscle was transposed to the caudal abdominal region in four dogs. The muscle flap was based on the singular vascular pedicle defined in the anatomic study. All muscle transpositions were successful on day 19 as evidenced by gross appearance and histologic examination. Grossly, the muscles were well adhered to the recipient sites and were covered by connective tissue. Histologically, the specimens were characterized by viable skeletal muscle fibers, proliferative and maturing granulation and fibrous connective tissue, and mild to moderate mononuclear inflammation. Seroma formation and infection were the two postoperative complications noted. The cranial sartorius muscle flap has potential clinical application for repair of traumatic caudal abdominal hernias and large inguinal hernias in the dog.     

Muscle Contractures in the Limbs of Dogs and Cats

Muscle contractures causing varying degrees of lameness commonly occur from skeletal muscle fibrosis, the result of injury such as that caused by circulatory insufficiency, infection, autoimmune reaction, or trauma. Quadriceps contracture, whether congenital or acquired, is treated by sectioning the cordlike fibrotic muscle group by "Z" plasty, resulting in lengthening it enough to allow the knee to assume a normal standing angle. Adhesion of the muscle group to a large femoral callus (muscle tie down) may occur and require additional surgical correction. Infraspinatus contracture results in a typical foreleg deformity and change in gait. Surgical repair by tenotomy is usually followed by rapid return to normal. Gracilis contracture, though common in racing greyhounds, is not commonly reported in pet dogs. Surgical excision of the entire affected muscle mass is curative.     

Use of the Temporalis Muscle Flap in the Dog

Tissue defects resulting from radiation necrosis or monoblock resection of tumors of the orbit and periorbital area are difficult surgical problems. A temporalis muscle graft provides a simple and effective means of closing orbitonasal defects. The principles and operative approach for the use of the temporalis muscle transposition are described. A case report of temporalis muscle transposition illustrates the various beneficial effects in repairing an orbitonasal defect caused by radiation necrosis and monoblock resection of an orbital tumor. This muscle flap can also be used to provide an improved cosmetic appearance to the face after exenteration of the orbit.     

Cisapride Stimulates Contraction of Idiopathic Megacolonic Smooth Muscle in Cats

We have previously shown that cisapride, a substituted piperidinyl benzamide, stimulates contraction of healthy feline colonic smooth muscle. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effect of cisapride on feline idiopathic megacolonic smooth muscle function. Longitudinal smooth muscle strips from ascending and descending colon were obtained from cats with idiopathic megacolon, suspended in a 1.5 mM Ca²⁺-HEPES buffer solution (37°C, 100% O₂, pH 7.4), attached to isometric force transducers, and stretched to optimal muscle length (L₀). Control responses were obtained at each muscle site with acetylcholine (10–⁸ to 10 ⁴ M), substance P (10–¹¹ to 10^-7 M), or potassium chloride (10 to 80 mM). Muscles were then stimulated with cumulative (10–⁹ to 10–⁶ M) doses of cisapride in the absence or presence of tetrodotoxin (10–⁶ M) and atropine (10–⁶ M), or in a 0 calcium HEPES buffer solution. In cats with idiopathic megacolon, cisapride stimulated contractions of longitudinal smooth muscle from both the ascending and the descending colon. Cisapride-induced contractions were similar in magnitude to those induced by substance P and acetylcholine in the ascending colon, but were less than those observed in the descending colon. Cisapride-induced contractions in megacolonic smooth muscle were only partially inhibited by tetrodotoxin and atropine, but were virtually abolished by removal of extracellular calcium. We concluded that cisapride-induced contractions of feline megacolonic smooth muscle are largely smooth muscle mediated and dependent on influx of extracellular calcium. Cisapride-induced contractions in megacolonic smooth muscle are only partially dependent on enteric cholinergic nerves. Thus, cisapride may be useful in the treatment of cats with idiopathic megacolon.     

The Medial Saphenous Fasciocutaneous Free Flap in Dogs

The purpose of this study was to identify the angiosome of the medial saphenous artery and vein and to evaluate the use of this cutaneous angiosome as a free skin flap in the dog. In phase 1 of this study, selective angiography of the medial saphenous artery performed in six canine cadavers showed that the skin covering the entire medial femorotibial area, the distal half of the caudal head of the sartorius muscle, and the gracilis muscle were perfused by the medial saphenous artery. In phase 2, a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous island flap was raised and sutured back to the skin edges of the donor wound in three dogs. One hundred percent survival of all of the flaps occurred. In phase 3, a medial saphenous fasciocutaneous microvascular free flap was transferred to a wound that was created over the dorsal metacarpal (n = 3) or metatarsal region (n = 3). The mean length ± SD of the medial saphenous vascular pedicle was 80 ± 13 mm (n = 5); the mean diameter ± SD of the medial saphenous artery was 2.8 ± 0.2 mm (n = 5) and the mean diameter ± SD of the medial saphenous vein was 4.2 ± 0.2 mm (n = 5). One hundred percent of all flaps survived (n = 6). Selective angiography of the distal cranial tibial artery (metatarsal wounds, n = 3) and the median artery (metacarpal wound, n = 3) was performed 3 weeks after surgery. All of the vascular anastomoses were patent and neovascularization of the wound beds was present. This free flap was found to be acceptable for cosmetic reconstruction of wounds located on the distal extremity.     

品种、体重和营养对猪背最长肌肌纤维组织学特性的影响

选用荣昌(RC)猪和杜×长×大(DLY)杂交猪为试验对象,研究猪背最长肌肌纤维直径和密度的发育性变化及品种与营养影响特点。结果表明:2个品种猪的背最长肌肌纤维直径和密度的发育规律较为类似,肌纤维直径随体重增加呈线性增长,而肌纤维密度则随体重增加呈乘幂方程式降低。相关分析表明,肌纤维密度与直径均存在极显著负相关(P≤0.003)。背最长肌肌纤维直径和密度在20～50kg阶段品种间差异不显著(P≥0.099),但在80kg,RC猪的肌纤维直径显著低于DLY猪(P=0.0043),而RC猪的肌纤维密度则显著高于DLY猪(P=0.0049)。饲粮营养水平对2个品种猪背最长肌的肌纤维直径和密度均无显著影响。以上结果提示,2个品种猪的背最长肌肌纤维的生长规律较为类似,但不同品种的肌纤维直径存在差异,主要表现在80kg,RC猪显著低于DLY猪,可能与其优良肉质有关。     

Free Microvascular Transplantation of the Trapezius Musculocutaneous Flap in Dogs

A musculocutaneous flap based on the prescapular branch of the superficial cervical artery and including the cervical part of the trapezius muscle and overlying skin was transplanted over a defect created on the medial side of the contralateral tibia in four dogs by using microvascular technique. The donor and recipient sites in three dogs were examined clinically for 21 days, after which they were examined angiographically and histologically. All dogs were free of lameness by hour 48. Seromas formed at the donor site between days 7 and 15. One vascular pedicle was traumatized at hour 40, and the dog was euthanatized. Three flaps survived with minimal necrosis. Edema of the flaps was severe from days 5 to 11. Angiograms showed complete perfusion of the flaps, and survival was confirmed histologically. Esthetic appearance and function were good in one dog at month 7.     

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 flap. This flap was composed of a cranially based rectus abdominus muscle pedicle flap that was attached to the caudal superficial epigastric island skin flap (including mammary glands 2 to 5) via the pudendoepigastric trunk. Selective angiography of the cranial epigastric artery in eight cadaver dogs proved that the arterial vasculature in the cranial rectus abdominus was contiguous with that in the caudal superficial epigastric skin flap. In the live dog study, three of six of the flaps failed because of venous insufficiency. Necrosis of mammary gland 2 occurred in two of six flaps. One of six flaps survived with the exception 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 full-thickness necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, the presence of severe congestion, and venous thrombosis. Retrograde venous blood flow through the flap was inconsistent, and hence resulted in failure of this myocutaneous flap. Use of this flap for clinical wound reconstruction cannot be recommended.     

藏猪背最长肌中过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ辅激活因子1α基因表达的发育性变化

采用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测了藏猪背最长肌组织中过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ辅激活因子1α(PPARGC1A)基因mRNA表达量在2、4、6月龄和8月龄间的差异。结果表明:藏猪背最长肌中PPARGC1A基因mRNA的表达量在2月龄时最低,至4月龄时表达量极显著上升(P0.01),6月龄时表达量逐渐下降,但较4月龄差异不显著(P0.05),至8月龄时表达量又极显著上升到最高水平(P0.01)。本研究初步揭示了藏猪PPARGC1A基因的发育表达模式,为进一步研究PPARGC1A基因对猪肉质性状的影响提供基础数据。     

Axial Pattern Flap Based on the Superficial Temporal Artery in Cats: An Experimental Study

Objective — The purpose of this study was to determine the surgical guidelines for and the survivability of an axial pattern flap based on the superficial temporal artery in cats.
Study Design — The mean survival length and mean percentage area of survival of flaps after 7 days in control and experimental groups, are assessed and compared.
Animals — Ten mature, domestic shorthair cats.
Methods — The superficial temporal artery and vein were incorporated in the flaps of the experimental group (n = 5) and were ligated in the control group (n = 5). Seven days postoperatively, the length of tissue that remained viable in each flap was determined by measurement of the length of the grossly devitalized tissue and subtracting this from total flap length. Results — Mean width and length of all flaps was 2.0 ± 7.0 cm, respectively. Mean survival length (±SD) of experimental and control flaps was 6.9 (0.2) cm and 4.4 (2.2) cm, respectively. Necrosis occurred in all control flaps, resulting in a mean percentage area of survival of 62.8 (11.7)%, compared with 98.6 (3.2)% for experimental flaps. Results were significantly different (P <.05) between the experimental and control groups.
Conclusions — A flap based on the superficial temporal artery may be a source of skin for reconstructive procedures of the maxillofacial region in cats.
Clinical Relevance — Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks and survivability of an axial pattern flap are essential considerations when planning a reconstructive technique.     

不同体重阶段川藏黑猪和杜长大猪肌肉中氨基酸含量研究

为了研究不同猪种背最长肌中氨基酸沉积规律,试验采用高效液相色谱检测了不同体重梯度（90、110和130 kg）的川藏黑猪和杜长大（DLY）猪背最长肌中氨基酸含量。结果表明,谷氨酸在两猪种肌肉中含量最高,含硫氨基酸总量在90和130 kg体重梯度时表现为川藏黑猪显著高于DLY猪（P〈0.05）,110 kg体重梯度时极显著高于DLY猪（P〈0.01）,而同一猪种不同体重梯度间各种氨基酸组成差异均不显著（P〉0.05）,鲜味氨基酸占总氨基酸比例（FAA/TAA）在90 kg体重梯度表现为川藏黑猪极显著高于DLY猪（P〈0.01）,130 kg体重梯度时显著高于DLY猪（P〈0.05）。本研究说明川藏黑猪肌肉中与风味相关的氨基酸含量高于DLY猪,我们认为这也是川藏黑猪的肌肉风味比DLY猪更浓郁的重要原因之一。我们的研究初步揭示了不同猪种背最长肌中氨基酸的沉积规律及构成差异,为进一步研究猪肉风味形成机理提供数据。     

猪背最长肌肌纤维类型的发育性变化及品种与营养影响特点

选用荣昌（RC）猪和杜&#215;长&#215;大（DLY）杂交猪为试验动物,采用相对定量RTPCR测定10～120kg体质量时背最长肌中I、2a、2x和2b4种MyHC的基因表达,以探讨猪背最长肌肌纤维类型的发育性变化,并分析品种及营养对它的影响特点。结果表明：（1）10～20始,2个品种的背最长肌肌纤维类型的百分组成发生显著改变,MyHCI和2x型纤维比例显著降低,而2b型纤维比例显著提高;（2）20～120kg,背最长肌肌纤维的变化规律因品种和纤维类型而异,除MyHC2b外,2个品种的MyHCI、2a和2x型肌纤维的发育规律存在一定差异;（3）背最长肌肌纤维类型的百分组成在10～50kg阶段未见品种间显著差异,但在80kg,RC猪的MyHC2b型纤维比例显著低于DLY猪,而2a型纤维比例则正好相反;（4）饲粮营养水平对2个品种猪背最长肌肌纤维类型的百分组成均无显著影响。以上结果提示,2个品种的背最长肌肌纤维类型的发育性规律及组成存在差异,且纤维组成差异主要表现在80kg,RC猪的MyHC2b型纤维比例显著低于DLY猪,可能与其优良肉质相关。