Thoracic Wall Reconstruction with Dorsal Diaphragmatic Traction and Preservation of Diaphragmatic Attachments in a Dog with Resection of the 11–13th Ribs

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This report describes a novel procedure for thoracic wall reconstruction. The thoracic wall defect caused by a tumor resection was successfully closed with the direct traction of the part of the diaphragm located directly underneath the defect and sutured to the ribs and thoracic wall muscles surrounding the defect. Complications typically associated with diaphragmatic traction, including respiratory distress and exercise intolerance, were not observed immediately after the surgery and during 190 days postoperatively. This technique for thoracic wall reconstruction is suggested to simplify the surgical procedure and it can safely be performed in small-size dogs weighing <5 kg. ABSTRACT: A 9-year-old, 4.7 kg, spayed female Chihuahua presented with a 3.5 cm soft tissue sarcoma on the dorsal right thoracic wall. The tumor was resected, including the 11–13th ribs, resulting in a caudal dorsal thoracic wall defect. The defect was reconstructed with direct traction of part of the diaphragm dorsally, preserving the diaphragmatic attachments to the body wall, and the diaphragm was sutured to the surrounding ribs and muscles. Possible respiratory complications, including paradoxical respiration and exercise intolerance, were not observed during the perioperative or postoperative observation periods. This novel procedure is expected to be an option for caudal thoracic wall reconstruction when the diaphragmatic attachments remain intact even after the resection of the last rib. In addition, this procedure can be performed in dogs weighing <5 kg, with small pleural cavities and without respiratory disorders.