Objectives

We prepared a map of the cleavage lines for beagle dogs, as a guideline for use of cleavage lines in dermatoplasty.

Results

The cleavage lines at the head resembled the orientation of the underlying muscles. Although the cleavage lines in the trunk were perpendicular to body axis, those in the thoracoabdominal region were parallel to the body axis. The cleavage line at the limbs were parallel to the lomg axis of the limb on the cranial surface, but were perpendicular to the long axis of the limb on the lateral and caudal surfaces. Also, we recorded in detail the cleavage lines in the distal regions of the limbs.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that, when assessing skin cleavage line, it is necessary to consider cleavage line detection methods, size of punched holes, and post-mortem changes. In the present study, post-mortem changes were minimized, and the density of holes was high. Although more studies are needed to investigate differences between species and individuals, the results of the present study can serve as a guideline for use of cleavage lines in dermatoplasty for beagle and same sized dogs.