Reconstructive blepharoplasty of extensive upper eyelid lacerations in horses using a sliding skin flap technique

Lacerations of the upper eyelid margin can disrupt tear film distribution, leading to associated ocular pathology. Primary closure of the laceration is the preferred approach. However, extensive lacerations can be associated with vascular injury, increasing the risk of subsequent wound dehiscence following primary closure. Reconstructive blepharoplasty using a sliding skin flap has previously been described to facilitate melanoma excision from the upper eyelid. The ‘sliding skin flap’ is a simple technique that can be used to repair upper eyelid lacerations following dehiscence of a primary closure. Related advancement flap blepharoplasty techniques have also been described for repair of traumatic superior eyelid avulsion and eyelid mass excision in horses, however, to the authors’ knowledge, there are no reports describing successful upper eyelid blepharoplasty following failed primary laceration repair. Two horses with upper eyelid lacerations underwent surgical repair under general anaesthesia using the ‘sliding skin flap’ technique. Both horses had previously undergone primary closure, with subsequent wound dehiscence. Both horses recovered with good cosmesis and function. No post‐operative complications observed.