Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Sternal wound repair using locking plates in two dogs
By Aertsens, Adrien et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2026·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Sternal wound reconstruction with transverse locking plate fixation in two dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with chest wall cancer and another dog with a severe infection in the chest area underwent surgery to remove part of their sternum (the breastbone). Both dogs had their chest wall repaired using a special locking plate that helped hold everything together. The first dog sadly had to be euthanized eight months later due to sudden health issues, but the second dog recovered well, with only a minor discharge after surgery. Fifteen months later, there was no sign of the original problem returning.
People also search for: dog chest wall surgery · sternal wound repair in dogs · dog hemangiosarcoma treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique and report the clinical outcomes of using locking plates applied transversely across the sternum as part of sternal repair after large sternectomy. ANIMALS: Two client-owned dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: One dog with chest wall hemangiosarcoma and one dog with chronic extensive thoracic pyogranulomatous lesion caused by Actinomyces spp. were treated by thoracic wall resection including partial sternectomy. The defect was reconstructed with multiple techniques including a locking plate secured with screws in two opposite ribs. RESULTS: There were no complications related to the surgical reconstruction or implants. The first dog was euthanized at 8 months postoperatively following sudden deterioration. The second dog developed self-limiting serosanguinous discharge from 3 to 6 days postoperatively but otherwise had an uneventful recovery. No recurrence was reported 15 months post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Use of a locking plate to span two opposite ribs in conjunction with other reconstructive techniques was a safe and effective method of treating large sternal wounds in these two dogs. This new surgical technique yielded excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes. Transverse locking plate application is a straightforward and promising option for large thoracic wall or sternal defects.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41220190/