Full‐thickness defect reconstruction of the pinna using a distant direct skin flap technique in three dogs

Abstract Three dogs were referred for further investigation and pinna reconstruction. Two dogs presented with pinna defects secondary to dog fights and one dog with a pinna mass. Cytologic examination of the pinna mass was consistent with a cutaneous benign histiocytoma, thus surgical excision was performed leaving a full‐thickness pinna defect. In all three dogs, full‐thickness pinna defects were reconstructed using a two‐stage pedicle flap that originated from the skin of either the neck region or the dorsum of the head. Time interval between the two stages of the surgical procedure was 2 weeks. Postoperative complications included dehiscence, poor ear carriage and failure of complete coverage of the defect. At a median follow‐up of 7 months, cosmetic results were fair to good.