Use of the lip-to-lid flap for replacement of the lower eyelid in five cats.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes after reconstruction of the lower eyelid following resection of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Five cats (6 eyelids). METHODS: Case records were reviewed for breed, sex, surgical findings, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Six eyelids were reconstructed in 5 cats; functional outcome was excellent. Neither wound breakdown nor flap failure occurred. An area of superficial necrosis occurred in 1 cat; this spared the eyelid margin and healed by secondary intention without any cosmetic or functional effect. One cat was euthanatized 18 months later because of a nasal mass. The relationship between the nasal mass and the previously excised SCC was not established. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the lower eyelid using a lip-to-lid flap yields satisfactory functional and cosmetic results in cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A lip to lid flap is a successful form of single-stage reconstruction after lower eyelid excision in cats.