Through a right thoracotomy in seven sheep we chronically implanted sonomicrometry crystals and electromyographic electrodes in the costal and crural diaphragmatic regions. Awake sheep were studied during recovery for 4-6 wk, both during quiet breathing (QB) and during CO2 rebreathing. Tidal volume, respiratory frequency, and esophageal and gastric pressures were studied before and after surgery. Normalized resting length (LFRC) was significantly decreased for the costal segment on postoperative day 1 compared with postoperative day 28. Fractional costal shortening both during QB and at 10% end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) increased significantly from postoperative days 1 to 28, whereas crural shortening did not change during QB but progressively increased at 10% ETCO2. Maximal costal shortening during electrophrenic stimulation was constant at 40% LFRC during recovery, although maximal crural shortening increased from 23 to 32% LFRC. Minute ventilation, tidal volume, and transdiaphragmatic pressure at 10% ETCO2 increased progressively after thoracotomy until postoperative day 28. Our results suggest there is profound diaphragmatic inhibition after thoracotomy and crystal implantation in sheep that requires at least 3-4 wk for stable recovery.