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.