Chondrosarcoma in Dogs
Key takeaways
Chondrosarcoma (CSA) in dogs is a form of malignant cancer that arises from cartilage.
- It is an uncontrolled growth of cartilage cells that can affect any part of the body with cartilage but is most often in the nose, ears, trachea, and ribs
- The cause is not always clear and includes a mix of risk factors including breed, age, and genetics
- Clinical signs of chondrosarcoma vary according to a variety of factors including location, stage, and size of the tumor
- Most commonly it presents with localized swellings, pain, lameness, and decreased appetite
- CSA is usually initially diagnosed through cytology
- For a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy is often essential
- Typical treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor
- Radiation therapy is recommended for lesions that cannot be resected
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A closer look: Chondrosarcoma in Dogs
Chondrosarcoma (CSA) is one of the most common forms of primary bone tumors. It is slow to metastasize. The prognosis varies according to the location of cancer.
It is a life-threatening disease and as such requires prompt veterinary care.
Risk factors
Risk factors may be breed-related as some breeds appear to be more predisposed to CSA such as Boxers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. It can affect dogs of all ages but is more commonly seen in middle aged dogs (6-8 years).
Symptoms vary according to the location, size, and progression of the tumor. For instance, a skull tumor might cause bulging of the eyes, a nasal bone tumor can present with sneezing and nasal discharge, pelvis tumor might appear with lameness and pain in the rear limbs.
Additional symptoms might also arise from tumor metastasis or from the presence of the tumor affecting normal functions (such as difficulty breathing, poor appetite, and limited or affected range of motion).
Possible causes
As for many tumors, CSA does not have a straightforward cause. It is most often caused by a mix of risk factors and it appears to have a hereditary component.
In most cases, the cause remains unknown.
Main symptoms
Clinical signs vary depending on the location of the cancer.
Common symptoms include:
- Localized swellings
- Lameness
- Pain
Testing and diagnosis
The diagnostic process for CSA consists of a physical examination, bloodwork, urinalysis, and x-rays to assess the patient’s overall health and look for signs of metastasis.
Cytology (collecting a sample of cells directly from the tumor) is a necessary step for diagnosing any type of cancer.
For a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy of the tumor is essential.
Steps to Recovery
The most effective treatment for CSA is surgical removal. In some cases, amputation of the limb or rib resection proves necessary.
Chemotherapy has not proven effective for a better outcome in cases of chondrosarcoma.
If the tumor affects parts of the body where resection is not possible, radiation therapy is recommended.
Analgesics (pain medication) might also be prescribed to manage pain and other symptoms.
The prognosis varies according to many factors including the location of the tumor, its stage, and its size. Usually, dogs with non-nasal CSA have a better prognosis when treated with wide surgical resection.
Prevention
Due to its unclear and possibly hereditary cause, prevention is not always possible.
CSA is not contagious.
Is Chondrosarcoma in Dogs common?
CSA is the second most common form of primary bone tumor.
Typical Treatment
- Surgical removal
- Radiation therapy
- Analgesics
