Lateralization of the diaphragm for thoracic wall reconstruction in a dog

A 7-year-old 35-kg (77-lb) neutered male Labrador Retriever was evaluated because of a 1-month history of a rapidly growing mass associated with the right caudal aspect of the thoracic wall.

CT examination revealed an aggressive, osteolytic mass lesion centered around the ventral aspect of the right ninth rib with osteolysis of that rib and focal invasion into the right external abdominal oblique muscle. Preoperative cytologic and histologic findings were most consistent with a chondrosarcoma.

The mass and the eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs were resected, and thoracic wall reconstruction was performed with a novel surgical technique involving lateralization of the diaphragm. The dog recovered rapidly and without complications other than a small seroma; no paradoxical chest movement developed, and the cosmetic outcome was good. An excellent quality of life was reported after surgery until the dog was euthanized because of underlying disease progression 6 months later.

Diaphragmatic lateralization was a simple method of caudal thoracic wall reconstruction that had good clinical results in this case. Research is needed to further assess the safety, reliability, and potential complications of this procedure in dogs.