Most skin defects seen in small animal patients are created either by traumatic injury or by surgical resection of a diseased area of tissue. In cats and dogs the elasticity of skin, along with the frequent presence of adjacent loose skin in many areas of the body, allows the primary closure of many wounds. However, techniques to reduce tension or to harvest skin from adjacent areas can help, in some cases, to produce a tension-free closure that is less likely to result in wound-healing complications. A working knowledge of such techniques is essential, as their required use cannot always be predicted preoperatively. In situations where primary closure was anticipated but cannot be achieved due to unforeseen circumstances, these techniques can become invaluable. Many of the techniques described in this chapter are very simple and will often be used in combination during wound reconstruction. The chapter considers Blood supply to the skin; Skin tension; Techniques to overcome skin tension; and Complications of skin flaps. Case examples: Hemimaxillectomy and transposition flap for a maxillary mass; Axillary flaps after excision of a thoracic mass. Operative techniques: Walking sutures; Skin stretching; V-Y plasty; Z-plasty; Single pedicle advancement flap; Bipedicle advancement flap; Rotation flap; Transposition flap; Axillary fold flap; Inguinal fold flap

Fractures of the tibia and fibula are commonly seen in small animal practice. This chapter deals with fractures of the proximal tibia and fibula, fractures of the tibial and fibular diaphyses; fractures of the distal tibia and fibula. Operative techniques: Avulsion of the tibial tubercle; Separation of the proximal tibial physis; Tibia – medial bone plating; Tibia – intramedullary pinning; Tibia – external skeletal fixation; Separation of the distal tibial physis; Fractures of the medial and lateral malleoli.

Rabbit dentistry is a controversial topic and many types of treatment have been described. At the time of writing, there are no published comparative studies that evaluate the success or failure of any particular dental treatment for rabbits. This chapter looks at considerations for treatment; establishing a treatment plan; treatment of fractured teeth and jaws; treatment of incisor malocclusion; treatment of early signs of dental disease; treatment of spurs on the cheek teeth; and iatrogenic damage from dentistry. Operative Technique: Reshaping maloccluded incisors: an alternative method; Treatment of cheek tooth problems using handheld instruments; Treatment of cheek tooth problems using burrs; Pulpectomy.