🔍 Key Findings
- This anatomical study mapped fascial planes of the canine hindlimb and pelvis to aid superficial tumor resection.
- Type I fascia (discrete sheets) was suitable for deep margins in fascia lata, lateral crus, and gluteal regions.
- Areas with poor or absent fascia included the ischiorectal fossa, femoral triangle, stifle extensor mechanism, and pes.
- Type IV fascia associated with periosteum (e.g., patella, tibial tuberosity) required partial ostectomy for inclusion in surgical margins.
- Nerves at risk during deep dissection included obturator, superficial peroneal, and tibial nerves, particularly in regions with weak fascia.
- In males, bulbospongiosus muscle could act as a fascial plane but dissection was challenging and potentially hemorrhagic.
- In females, constrictor vulvae/vestibulae muscles were tightly associated with mucosa, limiting clean resection options.
- Distal hindlimb resections often lacked a usable fascial plane, suggesting that amputation or adjuvant therapy may be more appropriate.
