Temporal horizontal H-figure sliding skin flap for central eyelid reconstructive surgery in dogs: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified H-figure sliding skin flap for treating eyelid central neoplasms and to evaluate the cosmetic and functional results of this reconstructive blepharoplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight dogs affected by eyelid neoplasia involving more than one-third of the central part of the margin underwent an en bloc rectangular surgical removal of the neoplasia. Reconstructive surgery was performed using a temporal horizontal H-figure sliding skin flap.

RESULTS: At short-term follow-up visits, seven dogs showed no signs of ocular discomfort, whilst one exhibited mild blepharospasm and ocular discharge associated with partial necrosis of the flap. At the 60-day follow-up, all dogs showed good eyelid margin reconstruction and no signs of lagophthalmos or ocular discomfort. Secondary trichiasis was observed in one dog.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The procedure allowed a well-positioned, fully mobile eyelid. The secondary trichiasis observed in one dog did not cause evident ocular discomfort at 6-month follow-up.