Lip‐to‐nose flap for nasal plane reconstruction in dogs: A cadaveric and in vivo feasibility study

Objective To describe a local interpolation flap based on the upper lip for the reconstruction of the dorsal aspect of the nasal plane in dogs. Study design Ex vivo and in vivo case report. Animals A 2‐year‐old medium‐sized spayed female mixed‐breed dog and a canine cadaver of a medium‐sized mixed‐breed dog. Methods A dorsal defect of the nasal plane of uncertain origin in a dog was reconstructed with a unilateral interpolation flap obtained from the caudal upper lip skin and mucosa (lip‐to‐nose flap). The procedure was first performed in a cadaveric model to assess its feasibility. Results The lip‐to‐nose flap allowed the reconstruction of a dorsal nasal plane defect with a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. The incorporation of the labial mucosa guaranteed a complete and uncomplicated wound healing of the flap; a small area of necrosis occurred at the donor site, which resolved in a few days. Conclusion The use of a lip‐to‐nose flap was feasible in these 2 medium‐sized dogs and led to satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Clinical significance A lip‐to‐nose flap may be considered to reconstruct dorsal nasal plane defects in dogs and allows for a cosmetic outcome.