The isolated perfused equine skin flap. Preparation and metabolic parameters.

This research paper focuses on the development of a model for studying the skin physiology, pharmacology, and toxicology in horses. It explores the use of different sizes of skin flaps and the metabolic differences between equine and pig skin. The findings provide insight on how results from skin studies should not be generalized across different species.

Introduction and Methodology

• The researchers created a unique model for the study of equine cutaneous physiology, pharmacology, and toxicology. They built flaps of skin based on the caudal superficial epigastric artery and the saphenous artery and medial saphenous vein. Single-pedicle axial pattern skin flaps of sizes 4 x 12 cm and 6 x 12 cm were prepared and stitched in a tubed pattern.
• After two days, each flap was removed, and the artery attached was cannulated. The skin was then perfused with a special medium based on modified Krebs-Ringer’s albumin for at least 6 hours. The primary objectives were to test the flaps’ sustainability and gauge their glucose consumption and lactate production.

Results and Analysis

• The researchers discovered that the smaller skin flaps (4 x 12 cm) showed signs of necrosis or tissue death. However, the larger flaps (6 x 12 cm) remained histologically viable.
• The study results were then compared with prior articles involving porcine skin flaps based on the caudal superficial epigastric artery. Observations noted that equine skin flaps consumed less glucose and produced less lactate per gram of tissue than similar sized pig flaps. Furthermore, equine skin flaps perfused by saphenous vessels used more glucose and generated more lactate than flaps perfused through the caudal superficial epigastric vessels.

Conclusion and Implications

• The researchers concluded that care should be taken when interpreting results from cutaneous physiology studies, as they should not be generalized across differing species. Skin examination should rely on species-specific and location-specific skin for accuracy.
• The study proves crucial in advancing equine reconstructive surgery by identifying viable skin flaps. It may also guide further research on similar suture and perfusion methods in veterinary medicine.