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

  • Occurrence: very rare
  • Location of illness: Chest
Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Pectus excavatum, also known as funnel chest or sternal bone deformity, is a congenital malformation of the chest in dogs, in which the sternum 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 congenital deformity of the sternum in dogs, which 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 is caused by a maldevelopment of the thoracic wall during embryonic development, which leads to an inward curvature of the sternum and can compress the heart and lungs, thereby impairing respiratory and cardiac functions.

Symptoms include respiratory distress, limited mobility, cough, frequent lung infections, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Diagnosis is made by physical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rays or CT scans. In mild cases, conservative treatment may be sufficient, while in severe cases surgical correction is necessary to reposition the sternum and stabilize the thoracic wall. The prognosis depends on the severity of the deformity; with successful treatment, it is usually positive.

Since the disease is congenital, there are no specific prevention measures, but the selection of 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 be more common in certain breeds. The exact cause of this deformity is not fully understood, but genetic factors are believed to play a significant role. The disease 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, pectus excavatum is caused by a malformation of the ventral thoracic wall during embryonic development. This malformation causes the sternum to not form correctly and bulge inward. The resulting indentation can lead to compression of the internal organs, especially the heart and lungs, which can impair respiratory 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 disease involving multiple genes. Environmental factors, such as the position of the fetus in the womb or trauma during birth, may also play a role.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pectus excavatum can vary considerably depending on the severity of the deformity. In mild cases, the indentation of the chest may only be a cosmetic problem and cause no obvious health impairments. In more severe cases, however, a variety of symptoms can occur, caused by the compression of the heart and lungs.

The most common symptoms include respiratory distress, which can 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, decreased exercise tolerance, or unwillingness to play. In some cases, the deformity can also lead to heart problems, which can manifest as heart murmurs or abnormal heart rhythms.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pectus excavatum is usually made through a combination of physical examination and imaging procedures. During a physical examination, the veterinarian can determine the indentation of the chest by palpation. If pectus excavatum is suspected, a chest X-ray is often performed to assess the extent of the deformity and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

In addition to X-rays, other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT scans can be used to obtain a more detailed view of the internal organs and their compression by the deformity. In some cases, an echocardiography may be necessary to check heart function and detect any cardiovascular abnormalities.

Therapy

The treatment of pectus excavatum depends on the severity of the condition and the associated symptoms. In mild cases, where there are no significant respiratory or heart problems, conservative treatment may be sufficient. This may include physical therapy and breathing exercises to improve lung function and strengthen the chest muscles.

In more severe cases, especially if the deformity significantly impairs cardiac or pulmonary function, surgery may be required. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum typically involves repositioning the sternum and stabilizing the thoracic wall to restore normal anatomy. Various surgical techniques can be used depending on the individual situation, and the choice of method depends on factors such as the age of the dog and the extent of the deformity.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with pectus excavatum depends largely on the severity of the deformity and the effectiveness of treatment. Dogs with a mild form of the disease who do not show significant symptoms usually have a good prognosis and can live a normal life. In dogs that have been successfully operated on to correct the deformity, the prognosis is also positive, provided there are no other health complications.

In cases where the deformity remains untreated or if treatment is unsuccessful, the prognosis may be less favorable, especially if respiratory or cardiac function is severely impaired. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to improving the quality of life of the affected dog and minimizing potential complications.

Prevention

Since pectus excavatum is a congenital disease, there are no specific prevention measures that could prevent a dog from being born with this deformity. Nevertheless, the selection of breeding animals with a known genetic predisposition for the disease can play a role in reducing the risk in the breeding population.

Pet owners who own or breed dogs that are prone to pectus excavatum should watch for signs of the disease and seek veterinary advice early if they suspect their animal may be affected. Early detection and, if necessary, timely treatment 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 congenital deformity of the chest in which the sternum is collapsed toward the spine. This condition is relatively rare in dogs, but when it occurs, it can impair breathing and heart function. Research in this area primarily examines the genetic causes and best treatment methods to improve the quality of life of affected dogs.

One aspect of current research is the investigation of the genetic factors that contribute to the development of pectus excavatum. Scientists are analyzing the genetic predisposition to understand which genes may be responsible. These studies are crucial to developing preventive measures and to 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 deformity. The traditional method is surgical correction by placing a metal bar that pushes the sternum into a normal position. Researchers are working on less invasive techniques and materials that cause fewer complications and lead to faster recovery times.

In addition, the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical approaches are being investigated, such as the use of vacuum bells that slowly lift the sternum. These methods could be 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 deformity affects the internal organs and what long-term prognoses exist for affected dogs. This information is crucial to being able to individually adapt the urgency and type of treatment.

In recent years, there has been encouraging progress in the 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 deformity 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 disease in dogs, it is becoming increasingly better understood through research, which should ultimately lead to better outcomes for affected animals.

Research initiatives worldwide focus on interdisciplinary approaches that incorporate both veterinary and human medical knowledge. 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 the funding and access to sufficiently large samples for clinical trials. Most studies are limited to smaller populations, which can limit the generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, the scientific community is actively working to overcome these hurdles.

In summary, research on pectus excavatum in dogs is being intensified on several levels to better understand the causes, treatment options, and long-term effects of the disease. These efforts are crucial to enabling affected dogs to have a better quality of life.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. 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 affect respiratory and cardiac function.

  2. 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.

  3. How is the diagnosis made? The diagnosis is usually made by a physical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rays or ultrasound to assess the severity of the deformity.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. What complications can occur? Without treatment, pectus excavatum can lead to serious breathing problems, decreased heart function, and general health impairments.

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

  9. How much does treatment cost? The costs vary depending on the severity and chosen treatment method. Surgical procedures are generally more expensive than non-surgical approaches.

  10. How does the disease affect life expectancy? With the right treatment and care, dogs with pectus excavatum can have a normal life expectancy. Untreated, however, the disease can significantly impair the quality of life and lifespan.

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