Thoracic Surgery in Small Mammals

Advances in imaging, anesthesia, and surgical techniques have made thoracic surgery in small mammals clinically feasible, yet it remains challenging due to their small size, unique physiology, and the anatomic complexity of the thorax. Improvements in computed tomography, endoscopy, and perioperative care now allow safer and more precise diagnosis and treatment. Consequently, procedures such as midline thoracotomies for thymomas, pulmonary lobectomies, thoracoscopy, and even more specialized interventions like pacemaker implantation are now performed with increasing reliability. Nevertheless, successful intervention still demands meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of species-specific limitations.