Central hemimaxillectomy and reconstruction using a superficial temporal artery axial pattern flap in a domestic short hair cat

A 2-year-old, neutered male domestic short hair cat presented with a large mass involving the right upper lip and underlying gingiva. A previous attempt at mass excision had failed, and the histopathological diagnosis was reported to be a fibrosarcoma. The cat was otherwise in good health.A central hemimaxillectomy was performed with extensive soft-tissue dissection and maxillofacial reconstruction achieved using an axial pattern flap based on the superficial temporal artery. This is the first reported clinical case of the use of the superficial temporal artery axial pattern flap in the cat. Histopathology identified a periodontal fibromatous epulis.