Nonoperative management of pectus carinatum

Pectus carinatum in a dog

“…No definitive etiology of PC has been established for human; however, the increased incidence of positive familiar history (25%) of chest wall deformity suggests a genetic linkage (Frey et al, 2006). In this case, a consanguineous crossmating could be a possible cause of the congenital diseases, including its chest deformity.…”

“…According to Haje (1995) and Frey et al (2006), in studies with humans, PC was more commonly found than PE (74% vs. 26%). Interestingly, it occurred four times more frequently in males than in females and was often associated with other disorders (Marfan's syndrome, Oteogenesis imperfecta, scoliosis, and others).…”

“…PE is a dorsal to ventral narrowing of the thorax, also known as funnel chest (Fossum, 2002), whereas PC is a ventral protrusion of the sternum, also known as Pectus galinatum or pigeon breast (Cardenal, 1954). There is no clear known etiology for either type of sternum congenital deformity in humans and animals (Haje, 1995;Ellison and Halling 2004;Frey et al, 2006). Some papers describe the PE and its treatment in small animals (Sturgess et al, 1997;Crigel and Moissonnier, 2005;Risselada et al, 2006) and although Fossum (2002) described the PC as an abnormality which occurs much less frequently than PE, no record has been found in either dogs or cats concerning PC.…”

“…Interestingly, it occurred four times more frequently in males than in females and was often associated with other disorders (Marfan's syndrome, Oteogenesis imperfecta, scoliosis, and others). Surgery has been the major treatment for PC in humans, although non-operative treatments presented good results (Haje, 1995;Beirão, 1999;Frey et al, 2006). This paper describes the case of a dog which was born from a consanguineous cross-mating and was diagnosed with Pectus carinatum among several other congenital diseases.…”

“…Surgery for PC is the first option in humans, but more recently some authors have advocated a conservative treatment with the use of orthotic bracing that provides continued ventro-dorsal sternal compression with success (Haje, 1995;Beirão, 1999;Frey et al, 2006). According to these authors, the non-operative approach to PC is a safe, effective, and cheaper option of treatment.…”