Pectus excavatum and Pectus carinatum in dogs

ABSTRACT

Background: Deformities of the anterior thoracic wall are called pectus pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Pectusexcavatum is characterised by dorsal deviation of the caudal region of the sternum while pectus carinatum consists ofprotrusion of the sternum and/or adjacent cartilage. Both defects may remain symptom-free, but respiratory and cardiacabnormalities have been reported. Another deformity observed in dogs is the swimming dog syndrome, which consists ofthe lateral opening of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, associated with the pedalling movement. These disorders are frequentlyreported in medical practice, are considered rare among canines. This report aims to describe a case of pectus excavatumassociated with the swimming dog syndrome (Case 1) and another case of pectus carinatum (Case 2).Cases Case 1. An approximately 45-day-old male American Pitbull canine had difficulty standing. Physical examinationrevealed hyperextension of the thoracic and pelvic limb joints and flattening of the thorax. After radiographic examination, pectus excavatum and the swimming dog syndrome were confirmed. The conservative treatment with splinting andhydrotherapy was chosen. At the 3-month follow-up, slight improvement in the limbs and irregular and unsatisfactorygrowth of the thorax leading to episodes of dyspnoea were observed. Case 2. A female Pug, approximately 2 months old,had a thorax deformity. Physical examination revealed thorax protrusion, confirmed on radiography as pectus carinatum.Conservative therapy was provided using compressive bandage. One month later, the tutor reported improvement in thecondition and absence of respiratory changes.Discussion: Pectus deformities has low incidence, and cases to pectus carinatum, there is a sexual predisposition, that is,males are more predisposed, differing from Case 2, a female dog. In the cases of pectus excavatum, no genetic alterationwas directly related to its occurrence...