Objective: To describe the technique and outcomes for bilateral caudal maxillectomy for resection of large caudal maxillary tumors crossing palatal midline in two dogs.
Study design: Clinical case report.
Animals: Two client-owned dogs.
Methods: Two client-owned dogs with primary caudal maxillary tumors, a poorly differentiated sarcoma, and a multilobulated osteochondrosarcoma. Bilateral caudal maxillectomies were performed for curative-intent resection of these tumors. The angularis oris axial pattern flap was used for primary closure in one dog and for dehiscence repair in the other.
Results: Both tumors were resected with complete histologic margins. The defects were closed with local buccal mucosal flaps, with or without a unilateral angularis oris flap. Esophagostomy tubes were placed at time of surgery to bypass oral feeding. Incisional dehiscence and subsequent oronasal fistula formation occurred as a postoperative complication in both dogs (3 and 10 days, respectively). Both were successfully repaired with a combination of local buccal mucosal flaps and the angularis oris flap. Both dogs had good functional outcome and quality of life after recovery from revision surgery.
Conclusion: Bilateral caudal maxillectomy allowed resection of caudal maxillary tumors crossing palatal midline, with good function and quality of life after recovery in 2 dogs.
Clinical significance: Good outcomes including complete resections are achievable with bilateral caudal maxillectomy despite complications. Local mucosal and axial pattern flaps can be used for dehiscence repair.
© 2019 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.