The Use of a Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap for Scapular Reconstruction in a Cat Following Fibrosarcoma Excision

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 37[3]:283-289 May-Jun'01 Case Report 49 Refs

* Sherman O. Canapp Jr, DVM, MS; F.A. Mann, DVM, MS; Carolyn J. Henry, DVM, MS; Jimmy C. Lattimer, DVM, MS
* Dept of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610

A 12-year-old, spayed female domestic longhair cat was referred with a 2.5-year history of recurrent vaccine-associated fibrosarcoma (VAFS) and a recent mass located over the left scapular region. Prior to presentation, the cat had eight surgeries for the treatment of VAFS located on both shoulders and the dorsal midline above the shoulders. Laboratory evaluation, including feline retroviral testing, was unremarkable, and thoracic radiographs showed no sign of metastatic disease. A course of radiotherapy and two treatments with mitoxantrone were administered but failed to halt tumor progression. Surgery and follow-up radiotherapy were scheduled. To obtain appropriate surgical margins, infraspinatus and supraspinatus myectomy and scapular spinous ostectomy were performed. To reconstruct the scapular dead space, the latissimus dorsi muscle was incised from its attachment on the humerus and elevated. An 18-gauge needle was then used to create four holes in the cranial aspect of the scapula, through which the latissimus dorsi muscle flap was anchored to the scapula using absorbable sutures. Following surgery, the cat showed no signs of complications other than a mild lameness of the operative limb in the early postoperative period. An additional course of radiotherapy was completed. Despite the aggressive surgical excision, the surgical margins were not free of tumor, and the VAFS recurred at 160 days postsurgery.
The latissimus dorsi muscle is uniquely positioned for extraordinary utility as a reconstructive tool, and it has been used extensively for reconstruction in a variety of body locations. The versatility of this muscle in transfer as a muscle or myocutaneous flap unit permits closure of a variety of complex wounds. The authors conclude that based on the results of this case, the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle flap represents a reliable and effective technique to reconstruct large proximal scapular defects in cats. Based on the single case of this report, the flap also appears to be able to withstand the effects of radiation.

To return to Sylvia's Cyber Kitty Condo just scratch her banner below...