Understanding Pectus Excavatum in Dogs and Cats
One of the congenital (present at birth) conditions we occasionally diagnose in puppies and kittens is called pectus excavatum, sometimes referred to as “funnel chest.”
I’m Dr. Kate, founder and chief surgeon of Jewel Veterinary Surgery, and I want to walk you through what this condition means, when it matters, and how it can be treated—including surgical correction when needed.
What Is Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus excavatum is a condition where the sternum (breastbone) is abnormally depressed inward, giving the chest a concave or sunken appearance.
In mild cases, this may simply be a cosmetic difference. However, in more significant cases, the inward collapse of the chest can reduce the space available for the lungs and heart, which can affect how your kitten or puppy breathes and functions.
This condition is congenital, meaning pets are born with it, and it tends to be seen more commonly in certain breeds and in kittens.
Signs You Might Notice at Home
Not every pet with pectus excavatum shows obvious symptoms. Some pets live completely normal lives without any intervention.
However, more affected kittens or puppies may show:
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
Exercise intolerance (getting tired quickly)
Lethargy or decreased activity
Poor growth or failure to thrive
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian.
How Do We Diagnose It?
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam, where the chest shape can often be felt and seen.
To better understand the severity, we may recommend:
Chest Radiographs (x-rays) are the most common and simple place to start
Sometimes CT imaging to assess how the heart and lungs are positioned and affected
The severity of the condition—not just how it looks—guides treatment decisions.
Do All Pets Need Treatment?
No—and this is an important point for Pet Parents.
Many cases of pectus excavatum are mild and do not require treatment.
However, if your pet is showing clinical signs or the chest compression is significant, intervention may be recommended to improve breathing and long-term quality of life.
Surgical Correction: What Does That Mean?
For moderate to severe cases, surgery is often the best option.
The goal of surgery is to reposition the sternum outward, restoring a more normal chest shape and creating more space for the heart and lungs.
In veterinary medicine, this is most commonly done using:
External splinting techniques
Sometimes internal support structures or plates, depending on the case
In younger pets, a common approach involves placing sutures around the sternum and attaching them to an external splint. This splint applies gentle, continuous pressure to gradually reshape the chest over several weeks to months.
The splint typically stays in place for 4-6 weeks during which time the chest remodels into a more normal position.
Timing Matters
One of the most important factors in success is timing.
Surgical correction is generally most successful in young animals, when the bones and cartilage are still flexible and responsive to correction.
That’s why early recognition and evaluation are so important. Intervention is recommended before 3 months of age.
What Is the Prognosis?
The good news is that pectus excavatum is treatable, and many pets go on to live happy, normal lives.
Mild cases often do well without intervention
Moderate to severe cases can improve significantly with surgery
Earlier treatment generally leads to better outcomes
While there are risks to surgical intervention, generally prognosis is good.
A Final Thought for Pet Parents
Hearing that your pet has a congenital condition can feel overwhelming, but pectus excavatum is a great example of how early detection and thoughtful care can make a meaningful difference.
If your pet has been diagnosed with this condition, know that:
Not every case needs treatment
When treatment is needed, effective options exist
Your puppy and kitten can live normal, healthy lives with treatment.