EXPRESS: Retrospective Study of Axial Pattern and Subdermal Plexus Skin Flaps in Cats: Clinical Indications, Surgical Sites, Complications, and Outcomes.

APFs and SPFs show comparable outcomes in cats; dorsal SPF placement increases dehiscence risk.

This retrospective study evaluated surgical outcomes of skin flap reconstructions in 52 cats undergoing 62 procedures using axial pattern flaps (APFs) or subdermal plexus flaps (SPFs) between 2014-2025. Chronic wounds were the primary indication (85.5%), with lateral caudal flaps being the most common APF type (23.3%) and skin fold flaps the most frequent SPF (62.5%). Overall complication rates were comparable between flap types, with necrosis being the most prevalent complication (45.2%). A significant association existed between anatomical location and clinical indication. Notably, flap dehiscence occurred significantly more frequently in SPFs applied to dorsal body locations (87.5%). While both flap types demonstrated similar overall efficacy in feline wound reconstruction, anatomical location emerged as a critical factor influencing complications, particularly dehiscence rates in subdermal plexus flaps. These findings suggest that careful consideration of flap selection based on anatomical location is essential for optimizing surgical outcomes in feline wound reconstruction.

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