Free tissue transfer of digital foot pads for reconstruction of the distal limb in the dog

Reconstructive procedures used in salvaging distal limb injuries in the dog are reviewed. Techniques employed to resurface the distal weight-bearing surface include local reconstruction using pedicle flap transposition of foot pads. The development of a previously described free microneurovascular digital foot pad flap is reviewed; the experimental results and potential for clinical use of the free flap are discussed.