🐾 Understanding Pectus Excavatum in Cats: A 2025 Vet’s Guide

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc – offering expert insight into causes, diagnosis, treatment, and home care for cats with pectus excavatum.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Pectus Excavatum?
2. Who Gets It & Why
3. Signs & Diagnosis
4. Treatment Options
1. Non-Surgical Approaches
2. External Splinting
3. Internal Splinting or Surgery
5. Recovery & Complications
6. Home Care Tips
7. Prognosis & Long-Term Outlook
8. Prevention & Monitoring
9. How Ask A Vet, Purrz & Woopf Can Help
10. Summary & Final Thoughts

1. What Is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum (Latin: “hollow chest”) is a congenital deformity where the sternum and ribcage sink inward, reducing space for heart and lungs 🫁 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. It's sometimes called funnel chest.

2. Who Gets It & Why

While it can appear in any kitten, certain breeds like Bengals, Burmese, and brachycephalics are predisposed. The exact cause is unclear—likely a genetic predisposition combined with fetal positioning or nutritional imbalances :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

3. Signs & Diagnosis

Symptoms may be absent early on but can include:

• Visible sunken chest, especially when breathing :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Rapid or labored breathing, cough, exercise intolerance, cyanosis, failure to thrive :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Heart murmur or muffled lung sounds on auscultation :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and take chest X-rays, using indices like vertebral index or frontosagittal index to quantify severity :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

4. Treatment Options

4.1 Non-Surgical Approaches

In mild cases, veterinary care may focus on pain management, muscle-strengthening exercises, and monitoring—with occasional manual compression or bandaging for neonatal kittens :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Benefits include avoiding surgical risks, but progress can be slow or inconsistent.

4.2 External Splinting

Ideal for kittens under 4 months with pliable chest walls. A custom-molded radiolucent splint is secured using circumsternal sutures, adjusted via removable tension devices until chest flattens — typically worn 3–4 weeks :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Radiographs monitor progress; account for pressure sores or suture maintenance.

4.3 Internal Splinting & Surgery

Reserved for older kittens or severe and non-responsive cases:

• Internal splint (bone plate): Sternum realigned, plate reduces repeat deformity :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Open resection (Ravitch): Abnormal cartilage removed, metal bars support placement :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Minimally invasive (VATS/Nuss style): Limited research in veterinary patients but gaining traction :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Risks include pneumothorax, hemorrhage, cardiac/ pulmonary compression, splint-related sores, and anesthesia concerns :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

5. Recovery & Complications

Re-expansion pulmonary edema is a serious postoperative risk. Pain and infection must be managed carefully :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

External splints are removed after 3–4 weeks if X-rays confirm correction. Internal implants may require monitoring or removal later. Mild cases occasionally re-develop, requiring ongoing assessment.

6. Home Care Tips

• Gentle activity restriction: Prevent undue pressure or suture failure.
• Pain management: Use NSAIDs (e.g. robenacoxib) or opioids (buprenorphine) as prescribed.
• Monitor bandages/splints: Watch for sores, soak if needed for adjustments.
• Regular imaging: Schedule follow-up X-rays every 2–4 weeks during correction period.
• Comfort enhancements: Use Purrz shredded beds and Woopf calming fountains & mats to reduce stress.

7. Prognosis & Long-Term Outlook

Kittens treated early (ideally 3–12 weeks) often recover fully with normal lung and heart function :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

In mild cases left untreated, some cats self-correct; others may grow into adulthood with mild chest concavity but normal vitality :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

Severe, untreated deformity can lead to chronic respiratory/cardiac compromise, fatigue, recurrent infections, and exercise intolerance.

8. Prevention & Monitoring

Early veterinary exams in neonatal kittens and X-rays when suspicion arises are key. Breeding selection plays a major role—avoid carriers from pre-disposed lines.

9. How Ask A Vet, Purrz & Woopf Can Help

Consult Ask A Vet for tailored plans, remote monitoring, and medication reminders. Provide your pet with stress-free recovery aids like soft Purrz nests and hydration-enhancing Woopf fountains, ensuring a smoother healing journey 🐾.

10. Summary & Final Thoughts

Pectus excavatum is manageable in cats, especially with early detection and intervention. Non-surgical care may suffice in mild cases, but splints or surgery are recommended for more severe deformities. With diligent care, regular monitoring, and veterinary collaboration, most affected cats lead healthy, happy lives. 🩺

If your kitten shows signs or you're in doubt, don’t wait—book a vet visit or chat with me on the Ask A Vet app. Your kitty’s future may depend on timely action!