ABSTRACT
Penetrating thoracic wounds caused by animal bites are common in dogs and are characterized by extensive trauma and adjacent soft tissue devitalization. When the local musculature is insufficient for the reconstruction, muscle flaps can be taken to repair the thoracic defect. The aim of the present report is to demonstrate an alternative to the thoracic wall defect repair in a dog which was attacked by javali (Sus scrofa scrofa), using unipediculated flap of the rectus abdominis muscle. Based on the literature, this reconstructive technique has not yet been described. The rectus abdominis muscle flap proves to be a useful alternative for the repair of extensive and infected thoracic wall lesion in dogs.
Keywords:
muscle flap; chest; reconstructive surgery; canine
