Panniculitis is an inflammatory condition of the panniculus adiposus that is infrequently observed in dogs and cats. The dog presented in this report developed multiple nodules in the cervical region, some of which developed fistulous tracts and discharged serosanguineous to purulent fluid. Microbiological examination identified Staphylococcus pseudintermedius as an associated pathogen. As conservative treatment did not result in satisfactory clinical improvement, surgery was elected. Preoperative computed tomography revealed that the mass had closely adhered to the right jugular vein. Because safe and complete excision of the lesion was not feasible without the resection of the affected jugular vein, this was also performed during surgery. The greater omentum is known for its angiogenic, immunomodulatory and tissue regenerative properties. Consequently, and to cover the large defect that had resulted from the mass ablation, an omental pedicle flap was prepared, transposed to the cervical region through a subcutaneous tunnel and covered using a skin flap. Serial postoperative ultrasonographic and Doppler examinations demonstrated preserved vascularization of the omental pedicle flap. The patient recovered uneventfully, and at eight months postoperatively, the greater omentum remained in situ, and no recurrence of nodules or procedure-related complications were observed.
Ablassmaier et al. (Sun,) studied this question.