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.