Omental Flap Surgery for Pet Bone Healing

Omental Flap Surgery: A Revolutionary Approach to Healing Your Pet's Bones

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how omental flap procedures are transforming veterinary medicine and offering new hope for pets with complex bone fractures."

For pet owners, the thought of their beloved companion suffering from a severe bone fracture is distressing. Traditional treatments, while often effective, can sometimes fall short, especially in cases of complex fractures, infections, or significant tissue damage. Fortunately, veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, offering innovative solutions like omental flap surgery.

Omental flap surgery is emerging as a powerful tool in reconstructive veterinary surgery, particularly for promoting vascularization and bone healing. This technique utilizes the omentum, a highly vascularized tissue in the abdomen, to enhance blood supply to the fracture site, accelerating healing and improving outcomes. In Brazil, a team of veterinary surgeons explored the effectiveness of this procedure on a dog with a complicated tibia and fibula fracture. Their findings offer valuable insights into the potential of omental flaps.

This article delves into the world of omental flap surgery, explaining how it works, its benefits, and what pet owners should know. It's about understanding how innovative medical techniques can offer new hope and improved quality of life for our animal companions.

What is Omental Flap Surgery and How Does It Help My Pet?

Omental Flap Surgery for Pet Bone Healing

Omental flap surgery involves using the omentum, a large, apron-like structure in the abdomen rich in blood vessels, to aid in healing. The omentum is strategically positioned to cover the fracture site, promoting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). This enhanced blood supply delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the damaged area, fostering faster and more robust bone regeneration.

Here's a breakdown of why omental flaps are so effective:

Rich Blood Supply: The omentum's extensive network of blood vessels provides a direct and potent source of nourishment to the fracture site.
Angiogenesis: It stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, further enhancing circulation and tissue repair.
Versatility: The omentum can be shaped and positioned to reach various fracture locations, even in complex cases.
Infection Control: Increased blood flow helps deliver immune cells to fight infection and promote a healthy healing environment.

The case study from Brazil highlights the practical application of this technique. A 10-year-old Whippet with a non-union fracture (a fracture that failed to heal properly) of the tibia and fibula, complicated by infection and tissue loss, underwent omental flap surgery. The procedure involved carefully mobilizing the omentum and positioning it to cover the fracture site, followed by skin grafting to protect the area. The dog's leg was also stabilized with an external fixator.

Is Omental Flap Surgery Right for Your Pet?

Omental flap surgery represents a significant advancement in veterinary medicine, offering a promising solution for complex bone fractures and challenging healing scenarios. If your pet is facing a difficult fracture, discuss omental flap surgery with your veterinarian. This innovative technique might be the key to a faster, more complete recovery, helping your furry friend get back on their paws and enjoy a happy, active life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0103-84782010000900029, Alternate LINK

Title: Retalho De Omento Maior Para Indução De Vascularização E Consolidação Óssea Em Cão

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Ciência Rural

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Cássio Ricardo Auada Ferrigno, Kelly Cristiane Ito, Daniela Fabiana Izquierdo Caquias, Tatiana Casimiro Mariani, Marcos Ishimoto Della Nina, Vanessa Couto De Magalhães Ferraz, Olicies Da Cunha, Leandro Romano

Published: 2010-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Omental Flap Surgery and how does it aid my pet's bone healing?

Omental flap surgery involves using the omentum, a tissue rich in blood vessels located in the abdomen, to enhance healing. The omentum is positioned at the fracture site to promote angiogenesis, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen for faster bone regeneration. This is especially useful when traditional treatments may not be sufficient.

What makes the Omentum so effective in promoting bone healing during Omental Flap Surgery?

The omentum is effective due to its rich blood supply, which provides direct nourishment to the fracture site. It also stimulates angiogenesis, further enhancing circulation and tissue repair. Its versatility allows it to be positioned to reach various fracture locations, and the increased blood flow helps deliver immune cells to fight infection.

In what specific situations is Omental Flap Surgery most beneficial for pets with bone fractures?

Omental flap surgery is particularly useful in cases of complex fractures, infections, or significant tissue damage. For example, the case study involved a Whippet with a non-union fracture of the tibia and fibula, complicated by infection and tissue loss. The surgery helped promote healing in this challenging scenario.

What does the Omental Flap Surgery procedure entail, and how do I know if it's the right choice for my pet?

While omental flap surgery is a significant advancement, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian to determine if it is the right option for your pet. The procedure involves mobilizing the omentum to cover the fracture site, often followed by skin grafting and stabilization with an external fixator. Discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your pet's condition with your vet.

What are the key benefits of Omental Flap Surgery and how does it improve a pet's recovery and quality of life?

Omental flap surgery offers several advantages including enhanced blood supply to the fracture site, stimulation of new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), and improved infection control. By promoting faster and more robust bone regeneration, it can lead to improved quality of life for pets with complex bone fractures, helping them return to an active life more quickly. The procedure supports the body’s natural healing processes in situations where those processes are compromised.