Home » Diseases » In dogs » Pectus Excavatum (Sternal Bone Deformity, Funnel Chest)

Pectus Excavatum (Sternal Bone Deformity, Funnel Chest) in Dogs

Synonyms: Funnel chest, sternocostal dysplasia

Occurrence: very rare
Location of disease: Chest

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Definition

Pectus excavatum, also known as funnel chest or sternal bone deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment., is a congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. malformation of the chest in dogs, in which the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. is depressed inward, leading to a characteristic indentation of the chest.

The most important facts at a glance

Pectus excavatum, also known as funnel chest, is a rare congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. of the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. in dogs that occurs more frequently in certain breeds such as Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. The exact cause is not fully understood, but genetic factors play a significant role. This malformation develops due to abnormal development of the thoracic wall during embryonic development, leading to an inward curvature of the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. and potentially compressing the heart and lungs, thereby impairing respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. and cardiac functions.

Symptoms include respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, limited mobility, cough, frequent lung infections, weight loss, and loss of appetite. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made through physical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. or CT scans. In mild cases, conservative treatment may be sufficient, while in severe cases surgical correction is necessary to reposition the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. and stabilize the thoracic wall. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the severity of the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment.; with successful treatment, it is generally positive.

Since the condition is congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother., there are no specific preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures, but selecting breeding animals can reduce the risk. Research focuses on genetic causes, improvement of treatment methods, and the effects on heart and lung function to improve the quality of life of affected dogs. Advances in early detection and treatment promise a better future for dogs with pectus excavatum.

Causes

Pectus excavatum is a relatively rare condition in dogs, but it can occur more frequently in certain breeds. The exact cause of this deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. is not fully understood, but genetic factors are believed to play a significant role. The condition can occur in both male and female dogs, and there is some evidence that it is more common in certain breeds such as Bulldogs and Boston Terriers.

Scientifically speaking, pectus excavatum develops due to abnormal development of the ventralVentral refers to the belly side or the direction towards the front surface of an organism. The opposite of ventral is dorsal, which refers to the back or the direction towards the spine. thoracic wall during embryonic development. This abnormal development causes the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. to form incorrectly and curve inward. The resulting indentation can lead to compression of internal organs, particularly the heart and lungs, which can impair respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. and cardiac function.

The causes of pectus excavatum are varied and can include both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic studies suggest that it is a polygenic condition involving multipleMultiple means manifold or repeated and is used to describe conditions or events that occur in multiple instances or at different locations. In veterinary medicine, this may indicate multiple lesions, tumors, or other pathological changes. genes. Environmental factors, such as the position of the fetusThe fetus is a developmental stage of a mammal in the womb that follows after it has passed through the embryonic phase. In humans, the term fetus is used from the 9th week of pregnancy until birth. in the womb or traumas during birth, may also play a role.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of pectus excavatum can vary considerably depending on the severity of the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment.. In mild cases, the indentation of the chest may only be a cosmetic issue and cause no obvious health impairments. In more severe cases, however, a variety of symptoms may occur that are caused by compression of the heart and lungs.

The most common symptoms include respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress, which may manifest as rapid or labored breathing, cough, or a wheezing sound when breathing. Dogs with a severe form of the disease may also show signs of lethargy, reduced exercise tolerance, or reluctance to play. In some cases, the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. can also lead to heart problems, which may manifest as heart murmurs or abnormal heart rhythms.

Diagnosis

DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of pectus excavatum is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging procedures. During a physical examination, the veterinarian can detect the indentation of the chest by palpationPalpation is an examination method in which the condition of body tissues is assessed by feeling them with the hands. It is used to identify swelling, pain, or other abnormalities.. If pectus excavatum is suspected, an X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. of the chest is often performed to assess the extent of the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

In addition to X-rays, other imaging procedures such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. or CT scans may be used to obtain a more detailed view of the internal organs and their compression by the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment.. In some cases, echocardiographyEchocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart that assesses the structure and function of the heart valves and chambers. It can provide information about heart size, pumping function, and the presence of heart disease. may be necessary to check heart function and detect any cardiovascular abnormalities.

Therapy

Treatment of pectus excavatum depends on the severity of the condition and associated symptoms. In mild cases where there are no significant respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. or cardiac problems, conservative treatment may be sufficient. This may include physical therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and breathing exercises to improve lung function and strengthen chest muscles.

In more severe cases, particularly when the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. significantly impairs heart or lung function, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum typically involves repositioning the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. and stabilizing the thoracic wall to restore normal anatomyAnatomy is the scientific study of the structure of living things. It deals with the construction and organization of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues.. Various surgical techniques can be applied depending on the individual situation, and the choice of method depends on factors such as the dog’s age and the extent of the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment..

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for dogs with pectus excavatum largely depends on the severity of the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. and the effectiveness of treatment. Dogs with a mild form of the condition that show no significant symptoms generally have a good prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. and can lead a normal life. For dogs that have been successfully operated on to correct the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment., the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is also positive, provided there are no other health complications.

In cases where the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. remains untreated or when treatment is unsuccessful, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. may be less favorable, especially if respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. or cardiac function is severely impaired. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and intervention are crucial to improve the quality of life of the affected dog and minimize potential complications.

Prevention

Since pectus excavatum is a congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. condition, there are no specific preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures that could prevent a dog from being born with this deformity. However, selecting breeding animals with a known genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. for the disease may play a role in reducing the risk in the breeding populationIn veterinary medicine, the term population refers to a group of animals of a particular species living in a specific geographic area or environment..

Pet owners who own or breed dogs that are susceptible to pectus excavatum should watch for signs of the condition and seek veterinary advice early if they suspect their pet may be affected. Early detection and timely treatment when appropriate can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the dog’s quality of life.

Outlook on current research

Funnel chest, or pectus excavatum, is a congenitalCongenital means "present from birth" and refers to characteristics or conditions that are already present at birth. This can include genetic disorders, developmental anomalies, or infections transmitted by the mother. deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. of the chest in which the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. is sunken toward the spine. This condition is relatively rare in dogs, but when it occurs, it can impair breathing and heart function. Research in this field primarily examines the genetic causes and the best treatment methods to improve the quality of life of affected dogs.

One aspect of current research is the investigation of genetic factors that contribute to the development of pectus excavatum. Scientists are analyzing genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. to understand which genes may be responsible. These studies are crucial for developing preventive measures and understanding which breeds may be more susceptible to this malformation.

Another important area of research is the development and improvement of surgical techniques to correct the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment.. The traditional method is surgical correction by placing a metal bar that pushes the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest. into a normal position. Researchers are working on less invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. techniques and materials that cause fewer complications and lead to faster recovery times.

Additionally, the efficacy and safety of non-surgical approaches are being investigated, such as the use of vacuum bells that gradually lift the sternumThe sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone in the center of the chest where the ribs are attached. It plays an essential role in protecting the heart and other organs in the chest.. These methods could represent an alternative treatment option for milder cases and are currently being tested in clinical trials.

The effects of pectus excavatum on heart and lung function is another focus of research. Studies aim to understand in more detail how severely the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. affects internal organs and what long-term prognoses exist for affected dogs. This information is crucial for individually tailoring the urgency and type of treatment.

In recent years, there have been encouraging advances in early detection of the disease. Through the use of advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D computed tomography, veterinarians can more accurately assess the severity of the deformityA deformity is an abnormal shape or structure of a body part, often due to genetic factors, injuries, or diseases. Deformities can impair function and may require cosmetic or medical treatment. and thus develop appropriate treatment strategies early on. Research is also focused on making these technologies more accessible and cost-effective.

The combination of genetic research, surgical innovations, and improved diagnostic techniques promises a promising future for the treatment of pectus excavatum in dogs. Despite the rarity of the condition in dogs, it is becoming increasingly better understood through research, which should ultimately lead to better outcomes for affected animals.

Research initiatives worldwide are focusing on interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate both veterinary and human medical insights. Since pectus excavatum also occurs in humans, insights from human medicine can help develop new treatment approaches for dogs and vice versa.

One of the biggest challenges remains funding and access to sufficiently large samples for clinical studies. Most studies are limited to smaller populations, which can restrict the generalizability of results. Nevertheless, the scientific community is actively working to overcome these hurdles.

In summary, research on pectus excavatum in dogs is being intensified on multipleMultiple means manifold or repeated and is used to describe conditions or events that occur in multiple instances or at different locations. In veterinary medicine, this may indicate multiple lesions, tumors, or other pathological changes. levels to better understand the causes, treatment options, and long-term effects of the condition. These efforts are crucial to enable affected dogs to have a better quality of life.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is pectus excavatum in dogs?

Pectus excavatum is a congenital malformation of the chest in which the sternum is curved inward. This deformity can impair respiratory and cardiac function. -

Which breeds are most commonly affected?

Pectus excavatum can occur in any dog breed, but smaller breeds and certain genetically predisposed lines may be more commonly affected. -

How is the diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rays or ultrasound to assess the severity of the deformity. -

What treatment options are there?

Treatment options range from surgical procedures to correct the deformity to non-surgical methods such as the use of vacuum bells. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the case. -

Is the disease curable?

While pectus excavatum cannot be completely cured, the symptoms can be significantly alleviated with appropriate treatment methods, allowing the dog to live a normal life. -

Can other animals also be affected?

Yes, pectus excavatum can also occur in other animals such as cats, but is most commonly documented in dogs and humans. -

What complications can occur?

Without treatment, pectus excavatum can lead to serious breathing problems, decreased heart function, and general health impairments. -

Are there preventive measures?

Since it is a congenital malformation, there are currently no known preventive measures. However, early diagnosis can help manage symptoms. -

How much does treatment cost?

Costs vary depending on the severity and chosen treatment method. Surgical procedures are typically more expensive than non-surgical approaches. -

How does the disease affect life expectancy?

With proper treatment and care, dogs with pectus excavatum can have a normal life expectancy. However, if left untreated, the disease can significantly impair quality of life and lifespan.