Janet A. Welch

Nasal and Facial Reconstruction in a Dog Following Severe Trauma

Successful reconstruction of the nasomaxillary region requires closure of oronasal communication and maintenance of a patent upper airway. A dog with traumatic amputation of the nasomaxillary region was presented for reconstructive surgery. Staged surgical procedures were performed with the goal of closing the oronasal fistula, reapposing facial tissues, forming a granulation bed in each nasal passage, and harvesting and placing mucosal grafts in the nasal passages. A novel technique for developing a granulation tissue bed for mucosal grafts using silicone rubber tubing was employed. The end result of the reconstructive surgeries was a relatively cosmetic appearance with patent nasal openings.