Thoracoscopic-assisted surgical stabilisation with a locking compression plate for pectus excavatum in a Maine Coon kitten

Case summary: A 4-month-old Maine Coon kitten was presented for the surgical correction of pectus excavatum (PE). Originally presenting with progressive respiratory distress, the cat underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for stabilisation using a locking compression plate. Postoperative complications included two separate episodes of infection, which ultimately resolved after implant removal. The cat showed gradual improvement and exhibited no clinical signs related to PE at the 12-month follow-up. Relevance and novel information: The VATS approach may provide a useful technique to help reduce intraoperative risk during PE correction in cats.