Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment, utilising ex vivo-expanded immune effector cells such as T-lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells. CIK cells are characterised by dual T-cell and NK cell-like properties, exhibiting high proliferative capacity, cytolytic activity, and non-MHC-restricted tumour recognition. Canine malignant melanoma (CMM) is an aggressive neoplasm with significant translational relevance to human melanoma, yet the cytotoxic potential of CIK cells against CMM remains unexplored. This study aimed to expand and functionally characterise canine CIK and T-cells from healthy donors, comparing their cytotoxic activity against CMM cell lines in allogeneic and autologous settings. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and expanded using standardised protocols with IFN-γ, anti-CD3/CD28 activation, and IL-2 supplementation. Flow cytometry confirmed successful expansion with CIK cells showing 85% NKp46 expression and T-cells reaching 91.96% CD8 expression, with comparable expansion folds (7.94 vs. 7.88). Cytotoxicity assays against seven CMM cell lines demonstrated robust anti-tumour activity for both effector populations, with CIK cells achieving 61.5% mean killing and T-cells 59.8% in allogeneic assays at 10:1 effector-to-target ratios. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed strong negative correlations between effector cell numbers and target viability (r = -0.960 for CIK cells; r = -0.790 for T cells). Cytokine profiling showed distinct secretion patterns, with T-cells producing a broader cytokine repertoire. These findings establish the feasibility and comparable efficacy of both CIK cells and T-cells against CMM, supporting their therapeutic development for canine melanoma immunotherapy.

Objective:To describe outcomes in cats with primary appendicular bone tumors treated with complete or partial amputation, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods:This retrospective study analyzed cats with histologically confirmed primary appendicular bone tumors treated surgically between 2008 and 2019. Data included signalment, clinical signs, tumor location, preoperative imaging, amputation level, adjunctive therapy, histologic characteristics, and oncologic outcomes. Results:76 cats were included, with osteosarcoma being the most commonly diagnosed tumor. Median survival time (MST) for cats with osteosarcoma was 469 days, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 56.8% and 40.4%, respectively. The MST for cats with chondrosarcoma was 1,302 days, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 91.7% and 66.7%. Overall metastatic rate was 32.9%, and 36.2% for osteosarcoma specifically; scapular tumors had the highest metastatic rate (87.5%). Preoperative pulmonary metastasis significantly shortened MST in cats with osteosarcoma (152 vs 573 days). In cats with osteosarcoma without preoperative pulmonary metastasis, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved MST (1,466 vs 440 days). Negative prognostic indicators for cats with osteosarcoma were increased age and presence of suspected metastasis at any time. Conclusions:Appendicular osteosarcoma in cats had a good prognosis following amputation alone, despite a higher metastatic rate than previously reported; however, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival time in cats with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma. Appendicular chondrosarcoma had an excellent prognosis following definitive surgery alone. Clinical Relevance:Cats with nonmetastatic osteosarcoma at diagnosis should be treated with both definitive surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Hepatoid perianal gland tumors are relatively common in dogs, accounting for 25% of all skin tumors. However, the specific factors involved in their development are still not completely clear. It has been established that hormonal influences can impact the formation of these tumors. The prognosis for dogs with perianal tumors depends largely on histology (benign vs. malignant) and, in case of malignancy, it has been suggested that the stage of the disease is important, with a more favorable outcome in dogs having small (under 5 cm in diameter), non-metastatic adenocarcinomas which are surgically removed with non-infiltrated margins. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies which thoroughly relate hepatoid gland histotypes to their prognosis; therefore, it is possible that a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma could be misclassified. Based on a retrospective review of 76 dogs with hepatoid gland tumors having clinical follow-up, the aims of this study were (1) to establish a histological grading system capable of potentially predicting prognosis and (2) to explore the role of Ki67 as a potential prognostic marker. Based on histopathological features only, the proposed grading system effectively differentiated tumors with a favorable prognosis from those with a worse prognosis to support histological diagnosis. The evaluation of the Ki67 index was not useful to predict prognosis in this study.

ABSTRACTCanine oral melanoma (OM) exhibits poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in human melanoma has driven interest in similar therapeutic approaches in the dog, although the immunosuppressive mechanisms adopted by canine OM remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of the immune checkpoints PD‐1/PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4 by RNAscope in situ hybridization (ISH) in canine OM, to investigate their expression pattern and explore their potential role in melanoma progression. Twenty‐four formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded canine OM were included in the study. PD‐L1 expression by tumour cells was detected in 100% melanomas (score 1–3), especially at the host‐tumour interface. PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 expression by tumour cells was detected in 13/24 (54%, score 1–2) and 18/24 (75%, score 1) melanomas, respectively. Dual ISH‐immunohistochemistry with Melanoma Triple Cocktail, CD3, CD20 and Iba1 demonstrated the expression of tested immune checkpoints in neoplastic and immune cells. Notably, PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 were predominantly expressed by tumour‐infiltrating T lymphocytes, while PD‐L1 was primarily expressed by tumour‐associated macrophages. PD‐1 expression in neoplastic cells was significantly correlated with mitotic count (p < 0.05), while no associations were found between immune checkpoint expression and disease‐free interval or overall survival. Whole tumour PD‐L1 and PD‐1 expression, assessed by image analysis, correlated to PD‐L1 scores in neoplastic cells and the grade of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes, respectively. Collectively, PD‐L1, PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 likely contribute to immunosuppression in canine OM. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether ISH can serve as a biomarker for selecting patients suitable for ICI treatment.

Canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is an aggressive, spontaneously occurring tumor carrying a poor to guarded prognosis and relatively limited therapeutic strategies. In this landscape, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)4 represents a promising immunotherapeutic target. The objective of this bi-center prospective study was to examine the clinical outcome of OMM-bearing dogs treated with surgery and adjuvant electroporation using a DNA vaccine (HuDo-CSPG4) encoding both human (Hu) and canine (Do) portions of CSPG4 through two different vaccination protocols. Dogs with stage I-III surgically resected CSPG4-positive OMM underwent HuDo-CSPG4 plasmid electroporation starting at the 3rd-4th post-operative week; electrovaccination was repeated after 2 weeks. In protocol 1, electrovaccination was then delivered monthly while in protocol 2, electrovaccination was performed monthly four additional times followed by semestral boosters. The survival rates of HuDo-CSPG4-vaccinated dogs were estimated and compared with a control group treated with surgery alone. Significantly longer overall survival times were observed in HuDo-CSPG4 vaccinated dogs as compared with non-vaccinated controls. Dogs receiving protocol 2 showed similar outcomes to those of dogs undergoing protocol 1, despite fewer vaccinations. The comparable humoral response against CSPG4 resulting from the administration of protocol 1 and 2 appears to have similar clinical relevance, highlighting protocol 2 as the optimal vaccination schedule.

Objective:To evaluate the recovery outcomes of cats following limb amputation for appendicular bone tumors. Methods:This retrospective, multi-institutional study included cats that underwent thoracic or pelvic limb amputation to treat primary appendicular bone tumors (2006 to 2019). Short- and long-term postoperative complications were investigated. Owners were surveyed to evaluate their perceptions and satisfaction regarding postoperative adaptation and recovery outcomes. Fisher exact tests were used to compare the results between different levels of amputation performed. Results:A total of 68 client-owned cats were included. Mild short-term (≤ 14 days) and long-term (> 14 days) postoperative complications were reported in 5 (7.4%) and 3 (4.4%) cats, respectively. Overall, time to return to walking without support was < 3 days in 69.7% of cats and 3 to 7 days in 16.7%. Activity level changes were reported as no change in 75.8% of cats. There were no behavioral changes in 92.3% of cats. Quality of life following amputation was recorded as excellent in 82.4% of cats. Owner satisfaction was reported as very satisfied, moderately satisfied, or satisfied in 98.5% of cats. There was no significant difference between thoracic limb and pelvic limb amputation in owner satisfaction or postoperative complications (short-term, OR = 0.39 [95% CI, 0.035 to 2.39]; long-term, OR = 0.41 [95% CI, 0.0074 to 5.39]). Conclusions:Most cats showed prompt and complete recovery following thoracic or pelvic limb amputation, with a high level of owner satisfaction and low incidence of postoperative complications. Clinical Relevance:Thoracic or pelvic limb amputation in cats can result in excellent recovery outcomes.

The most appropriate approach to regional/sentinel lymph nodes (LN) for staging canine oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is still controversial. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the prognostic impact of neck dissection modality and LN metastasis in a homogeneous cohort of dogs treated by surgery and adjuvant anti-CSPG4 electrovaccination. Seventy-seven dogs were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the presence (Group A, 24 dogs) or absence (Group B, 53 dogs) of histologically confirmed LN metastasis at the time of surgery. The overall LN metastatic rate was 31%; metastasis was found mostly in the mandibular lymph center (83%). Median survival time (MST) and disease-free interval (DFI) in Group A were 406 and 134 days, respectively. Although shorter, these values were not significantly different from MST and DFI in Group B (534 and 219 days, respectively; p = 0.16 and p = 0.11). Stratifying the cases based on the type of lymphadenectomy performed, no statistical differences were observed between Groups 1 (ipsilateral lymphadenectomy) and 2 (bilateral lymphadenectomy) regarding both MST and DFI. Similarly, no significant differences in MST and DFI were observed among subgroups based on ipsilateral (Group 4) and bilateral (Group 6) removal versus ipsilateral (Group 3) and bilateral (Group 5) non-removal of even the medial retropharyngeal LN. No association was found between LN metastasis and recurrence or distant metastasis. Finally, no association was found between lymphadenectomy pattern and progressive disease. The results recorded in this study, i.e., that ipsilateral mandibular lymphadenectomy may be a reasonable surgical option in OMM, apply for this cohort of dogs only, and the translation of this principle to canine OMMs differently treated needs further investigations. Additionally, further efforts should be addressed to studies on sentinel LN identification for canine OMM staging.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) syndrome is a life-threatening emergency and its physiopathology and treatment have been studied for decades. Despite ongoing research, the mortality rate is still high. The aims of this study are to describe the treatment and outcome of GDV patients treated from 2011 to 2024 at the veterinary teaching hospital of Grugliasco (Turin, Italy); to analyze risk and prognostic factors, comparing the obtained data with current literature; and to evaluate how patients' management has changed over the years. The study included 130 dogs with a confirmed GDV diagnosis that underwent surgery. The data were extracted from the digital and hardcopy clinical record, combined with the imaging diagnostic software and an interview submitted to the dogs' owners. The analysis showed the predominance (25.38%) of German Shepherd dogs, as well as of males (59.25%); among the latter, intact dogs were most represented (53.1%). Age between 5-10 years was most frequent in the examined population (54.69%). The surgical technique went through changes during the examined period: the belt loop has been abandoned in favor of the incisional gastropexy. The survival rate of GDV surgically treated dogs was 86.4%. Lactate blood concentration and splenectomy were not assessed as relevant prognostic factors.

Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive and highly malignant tumor of bone with a poor prognosis and it mirrors the disease in humans. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is driven by hypoxia-induced factors such as HIF-1α and VEGF, both of which play a crucial role in tumor growth and metastasis. However, the role of angiogenesis in OSA remains a topic of ongoing debate. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between angiogenesis, measured by intratumoral microvessel density (MVD), hypoxic markers, and clinical outcomes in 28 dogs diagnosed with appendicular OSA. Clinicopathological data such as age, breed distribution, tumor localization, histopathological subtypes, and metastatic behavior were consistent with reported epidemiologic characteristics of canine OSA, though no significant correlation was found among these variables. The results indicated a significant association between higher MVD and high-grade OSA (p = 0.029), suggesting that increased tumor vascularization is linked to more aggressive tumor behavior. Additionally, elevated VEGF expression was strongly correlated with disease-free interval DFI), with a p-value of 0.045. Although HIF-1α positivity showed a trend towards poorer survival, the results did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). These findings highlight the potential role of VEGF as a valuable prognostic marker in canine OSA, which could have potentially important implications for therapeutic targeting and clinical management of the disease. This study advances the understanding of angiogenesis in canine OSA, while emphasizing the need for continued research into the complex mechanisms regulating the interplay between hypoxia, angiogenesis and tumor progression.

Canine oral malignant melanoma (COMM) is the most common neoplasm in the oral cavity characterized by local invasiveness and high metastatic potential. Hypoxia represents a crucial feature of the solid tumor microenvironment promoting cancer progression and drug resistance. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and its downstream effectors, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), glucose transporter isoform 1 (GLUT1), C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), are the main regulators of the adaptive response to low oxygen availability. The prognostic value of these markers was evaluated in 36 COMMs using immunohistochemistry. In addition, the effects of cobalt chloride-mediated hypoxia were evaluated in 1 primary COMM cell line. HIF-1α expression was observed in the nucleus, and this localization correlated with the presence or enhanced expression of HIF-1α-regulated genes at the protein level. Multivariate analysis revealed that in dogs given chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (CSPG4) DNA vaccine, COMMs expressing HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and CXCR4 were associated with shorter disease-free intervals (DFI) compared with tumors that were negative for these markers (P = .03), suggesting hypoxia can influence immunotherapy response. Western blotting showed that, under chemically induced hypoxia, COMM cells accumulate HIF-1α and smaller amounts of CAIX. HIF-1α induction and stabilization triggered by hypoxia was corroborated by immunofluorescence, showing its nuclear translocation. These findings reinforce the role of an hypoxic microenvironment in tumor progression and patient outcome in COMM, as previously established in several human and canine cancers. In addition, hypoxic markers may represent promising prognostic markers, highlighting opportunities for their use in therapeutic strategies for COMMs.

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a solid tumor of granulocytic origin with extramedullary localization. This tumor is rare in humans and animals. The diagnostic approach is heterogeneous, and the definitive diagnosis may be difficult to achieve. Primary MS has never been described as a spontaneous neoplasm in companion dogs. Two purebred and 1 mixed-breed dogs, 6- to 11-year-old, developed round cell tumors in the mediastinum, lymph nodes (LNs) and tonsils, and LNs, respectively. Granulocytic origin and exclusion of lymphoid lineage were confirmed by flow cytometry, supported by immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry. Pivotal to the diagnosis were positive labeling for myeloid (CD11b, CD14) and hematopoietic precursors (CD34) markers, along with negative labeling for lymphoid markers. Blood and bone marrow infiltration were not detected at initial diagnosis, excluding acute myeloid leukemia. The behavior of these tumors was aggressive, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, even when chemotherapy was attempted.

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary bone cancer, but it is infrequently reported in cats. Feline appendicular osteosarcoma typically exhibits good prognosis when treated with surgery alone. A retrospective multi-institutional study was conducted to identify possible prognostic factors. Cats diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma were included if initial staging and follow-up information were available. Data including signalment, tumour characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were collected and analysed. Fifty-six cats were included; the femur was the most frequently affected bone. Eight cats had distant metastasis at admission and an additional 9 developed metastatic disease during follow-up, resulting in an overall metastatic rate of 30%. Forty-nine (87.5%) cats underwent surgery, and 4 also received adjuvant chemotherapy. Among operated cats, median time to local progression (TTLP), time to distant progression and tumour-specific survival (TSS) were not reached. One- and 2-year survival rates were 66% and 55%, respectively. Seven (12.5%) cats received no treatment; 1- and 2-year survival rates were 25% and 0%, respectively. Operated cats had significantly longer TTLP (P < .001) and TSS (P = .001) compared with non-operated cats. Among operated cats, young age negatively impacted local tumour progression, while the presence of distant metastasis at diagnosis was associated with a higher risk of tumour-related death. This study reaffirms the good prognosis for cats with appendicular osteosarcoma undergoing surgery, but sheds light on some additional factors to consider. Accurate initial staging is recommended, as the metastatic rate may exceed many previous estimations. Surgery substantially extends survival time, whereas the role of chemotherapy remains uncertain.

Nodal metastasis is a negative prognostic factor in dogs with mast cell tumours (MCTs), thus early detection enables more informed decision-making and provides valuable prognostic information. The aim of this study is to assess the concordance between histopathologic findings of LNs and cytology and flow cytometry (FC), respectively, and to evaluate the ability of FC to differentiate between metastatic (HN2-HN3) and non-metastatic (HN0-HN1) LNs. Overall, 117 LNs from 64 dogs with first occurring MCTs were submitted for cytology, histology and FC. LNs were cytologically and histologically classified according to Krick and Weishaar systems, respectively. Using FC, mast cells (MCs) were identified as IgE+ CD117+ CD5- CD21- cells and quantified as a percentage. When compared with histologic classification, cytology showed an accuracy of 88.2% in distinguishing between metastatic and non-metastatic LNs but did not detect 25.3% of metastatic cases. FC revealed an increase in the median percentages of MCs across histologic classes, progressing from HN0 to HN3. ROC curves pinpointed 0.3% as the optimal cut-off for distinguishing between metastatic and non-metastatic LNs, with an accuracy of 84.3%. A 1.1% cut-off proved valuable in identifying HN3 LNs. The combined interpretation of cytology and FC increased accuracy to 92.2%. An algorithm for guiding the combined interpretation of cytology and FC is suggested based on these findings. In conclusion, FC proves beneficial in enhancing the early detection of metastatic LNs, particularly when utilised alongside cytology. Histopathology remains essential for confirmation, enabling the discrimination of HN classes or, in doubtful cases, for the detection or exclusion of nodal metastases.

Several studies evaluating Ki67 in canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (cMCTs) have reported its prognostic value when tumors of all histological grades are included. This study aims to evaluate whether the Ki67 index has a predictive value in a homogeneous cohort of G2/LG cMCTs with HN2 lymph nodes (LNs) and to describe the clinical outcome. The second goal was to explore the correlation between the Ki67 index and MC. The medical databases of three institutions were retrospectively searched for dogs undergoing surgical treatment for cMCT and LN extirpation, with a histological diagnosis of G2/LG with HN2 LNs. Information about histological margins, MC, Ki67 index, local recurrence, nodal relapse, distant metastasis, de novo cMCT occurrence and date and cause of death were included. A total of 39 cases were identified. None of these developed local and nodal relapse or metastatic distant disease. Median MC was 1 (0–2). Median Ki67 index was 3.5 (0.7–14.3). Ki67 and MC were not significantly correlated. At the end of the study, 32 (82%) dogs were alive, 7 (18%) dogs were dead from unrelated causes and 4 (10.2%) dogs were lost to follow-up. The median ST was not reached, and the mean was 893 days (104–2241 days). Considering the strict inclusion criteria, dogs affected by G2/LG with HN2 LNs treated with surgery alone may have a good oncologic outcome; the Ki67 index does not have prognostic impact.

Saliva is an irritant of the subcutaneous tissue, thus causing the development of a non-epithelial reactive pseudocapsule. Metaplastic ossification of the pseudocapsule is a condition rarely described in the veterinary literature. The main causes of calcification are trauma, tumours, various chronic inflammatory conditions and fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The aim of the present case series was to describe three dogs affected by a calcified salivary mucocele. The medical records of dogs affected by a cervical sialocele were retrospectively evaluated, and three cases met the inclusion criteria. All the dogs in this study were referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin (Turin, Italy) for a large solid mass in the intermandibular region. The diagnosis of a mucocele was confirmed clinically by centesis and by radiography or CT. Complete excision of both the pseudocyst and the ipsilateral mandibular/monostomatic sublingual salivary gland was performed in all cases. The histological report showed large areas of bone metaplasia within the pseudocapsule and chronic sialadenitis. Based on this limited case series, complete excision of the pseudocyst and a concurrent sialoadenectomy provided an effective treatment for this rare salivary mucocele disorder.

Hematological indices play a prognostic role in human osteosarcoma (OSA), but data are limited in dogs. The aim of this retrospective multicentric cohort study was to investigate the prognostic significance of pre-operative hematological/inflammatory indices in a cohort of client-owned dogs with appendicular OSA receiving standardized treatment. Cut-offs associated with progression-free survival (PFS) for pre-operative hematological values/ratios were established using the minimal p-value approach. Historical prognostic factors were also assessed. Statistical analyses were performed for the whole population and after the exclusion of sighthounds. Fifty-nine dogs were included (13 were sighthounds). Multivariable analysis revealed that a low neutrophil count (<4.37 × 109/L, HR0.28, CI 95% 0.13–0.61, p = 0.001), a high red blood cell count (≥7.91, HR3.5, CI 95% 1.56–7.9, p = 0.002), and a proximal humerus location (HR3.0, CI 95% 1.48–6.1, p = 0.002) were associated with shorter PFS. In the sighthound-only population, only OSA location was significantly associated with PFS in univariable analysis. When sighthounds were excluded, a low neutrophil count, a low monocyte count, and a proximal humerus location were associated with shorter PFS, in multivariable analysis. Neutrophil count and possibly monocyte and red blood cell counts can be useful prognostic markers in canine OSA treated with amputation and adjuvant carboplatin. However, not all indices are appropriate in sighthounds.

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (cMCTs) of the pinna have been associated with an aggressive biological behaviour, although data remain scarce. The knowledge acquired over the past years on histologic gradings, and the value of lymph node (LN) staging, may help in better characterizing this anatomical presentation. The first aim was to describe the frequency, location, and histologic appearance of LN metastases in cMCT of the pinna. A second aim was to evaluate prognosis. Medical records of dogs with cMCT of the pinna, that underwent tumour and sentinel (SLN) or regional LN (RLN) excision, were reviewed. The influence of potential prognostic variables on time to progression (TTP) and tumour-specific survival (TSS) was investigated. Thirty-nine dogs were included: 19 (48.7%) had Kiupel high-grade (K-HG) and 20 (51.3%) had low-grade (K-LG) MCTs. Eighteen (46.1%) dogs underwent SLN mapping: the superficial cervical LN was at least one of SLN in 17 (94.4%) cases. Twenty-two (56.4%) dogs had LN metastases; the superficial cervical LN was always involved. On multivariable analysis, only K-HG was associated with increased risk of progression (p = .043) and tumour-related death (p = .021). Median TTP and TSS were 270 and 370 days in K-HG, respectively; these were not reached in dogs with K-LG tumours (p < .01). cMCTs of the pinna are often K-HG and are also associated with a higher frequency of LN metastasis; however, we confirmed the independent prognostic value of histologic grading. A multimodal treatment may lead to favourable long-term outcome. Moreover, the superficial cervical LN is most often the SLN.

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and the complications following single or double random mucosal rotating (transposition or interpolation) flaps for the closure of rostral to mid maxillary defects in dogs. Materials and Methods Medical records of dogs treated with single or double random mucosal rotating flaps after maxillectomy for oral lesions or traumatic loss of tissue, were evaluated. Clinical findings, surgery performed, outcome and postoperative complications (major and minor) were extracted. Results Twenty-six client-owned dogs were retrospectively included. Dogs underwent maxillectomy for canine acanthomatous ameloblastomas (9), oral squamous cell carcinomas (4), peripheral odontogenic fibromas (4), oral melanomas (3), oral fibrosarcomas (2), dentigerous cysts (2) and oral osteosarcoma (1) and trauma resulting in an oronasal fistula (1). Twenty-three dogs underwent a single transposition or interpolation flap and three dogs were treated with a double transposition flap. Postoperative complications, including dehiscence or flap necrosis, occurred in six dogs. Clinical Significance Random mucosal rotating (transposition or interpolation) flaps are versatile when used to close rostral maxillary defects in dogs. Postoperative complications appear to be more likely when these flaps are used to close mid maxillary defects.

EDITORIAL article Front. Vet. Sci., 31 January 2023Sec. Comparative and Clinical Medicine Volume 10 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1141666