Chondrosarcoma in Dogs – Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone tumor that comes from cartilage. Cartilage is a kind of connective tissue that is found all across the body. Cartilage can be found on the ends of bones to work as cushions or shock absorbers, and it also offers some flexibility. It is made up of your dog’s ears and nose, and cartilage can also be found surrounding the windpipe (trachea) and ribs. When a bone tumor increases, there is a 5-10% possibility that the tumor is chondrosarcoma. When chondrosarcoma tumors develop, they mainly affect flat bones in the body.
The nose is the most common place to be infected but it can also appear in both bony and non-bony areas. The skull, ribs, and pelvis are also often affected. Like osteosarcomas, chondrosarcomas mainly affect middle-aged, medium and large breed dogs like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds. However, chondrosarcomas can still infect all breeds and dogs of all ages. Once the tumor increases, it can grow very quickly and can rapidly spread to other areas of the body.
Signs And Symptoms Of Chondrosarcoma in Dogs
Symptoms of chondrosarcoma are different and will depend on the areas of the tumor in the dog’s body. Nasal chondrosarcoma may be more simply observed than tumors that appear in other parts of the body. Here are the symptoms of nasal chondrosarcoma:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Anorexia
- Facial deformity
- Sneezing
- Bloody discharge
- Purulent discharge (pus)
Chondrosarcoma that appears in the pelvis may cause pain or discomfort that is clear upon examination of the part. A tumor in the pelvis area may also cause lameness in the hind limbs. However, chondrosarcoma that appears in the ribs may cause swelling in the middle of the chest, where the dog’s ribs join. Spinal chondrosarcoma frequently shows no visual signs. However, if chondrosarcoma has spread to the lungs, the dog may show other symptoms like –
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Lameness
- Painful swelling in all limbs
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
Detection of Chondrosarcoma in Dogs
A dog with chondrosarcoma will get a full physical and orthopedic examination. Laboratory blood work will be done to decide the dog’s entire situation and common health. The dog’s situation is a necessary factor when deciding the course of treatment for chondrosarcoma. Tumors of chondrosarcoma can metastasize to other organs, and a veterinarian will suggest radiographs (X-rays) of the chest and abdomen to decide if growth has occurred. Bone scans, radiographs, or CT scans may be important to assess the situation of the affected area. Cancer cells that appear in the blood may focus on the lymph nodes. A veterinarian may suggest a fine needle aspiration biopsy of any lymph nodes that seem extended in radiographs or ultrasound images.
What Is The Treatment Of Chondrosarcoma in Dogs?
The most successful treatment of the tumor is the surgical removal. If the chondrosarcoma is on a forelimb or hindlimb, then amputation is essential. If the tumor is in a part that is hard to remove in complete size, then radiation may be another treatment choice. This is mainly the case with chondrosarcomas that infect the nose, but if the tumor is detected soon, then surgical treatment may be an option. Remember that more difficulties can arise when surgery is done in this area.
However, if chondrosarcoma is not fully removed, there is a little chance that it could rise back. Without surgery or radiation, chondrosarcomas can be very hurtful. If you select to be attentive to more palliative care options, you can discuss different pain medicines with your veterinarian. Always remember that pathologic fractures can appear when the whole bone commonly becomes diseased. These fractures are highly painful and can highly impact your pup’s entire quality of life.
What Is The Survival Rate Of Chondrosarcoma in Dogs After Treatment?
A study revealed that the median survival of dogs with nasal chondrosarcoma is around 210 days to 580 days with different treatments such as rhinotomy , and radiation therapy combined and rhinotomy alone. Moreover, the median survival time of dogs with chondrosarcoma of the ribs differs greatly. Again dogs cured with amputation presented a median survival of around 540 days. Death is mostly seen in conditions of metastatic disease.
Conclusion
Chondrosarcomas are the second most basic type of bone tumor in dogs. Chondrosarcomas can be highly painful, specifically if they result in a pathologic fracture. Soon mediation is important so that it does not become so much bigger as to be considered inoperable, and survival time odds can highly improve if you act immediately. Whenever you see a doubtful lump or bump, be sure to talk about it with your veterinarian at your dog’s next clinic appointment.
FAQs Related To Chondrosarcoma in Dogs
How is the life of a dog with chondrosarcoma?
Chondrosarcoma of the nasal passages has a more guarded prognosis. In this area, surgical removal is hardly suggested and radiation therapy is instead used to slow the growth of the mass. However, with radiation therapy, the survival time of nasal chondrosarcoma is around 1-2 years.
How quickly does chondrosarcoma expand?
Most chondrosarcomas increase slowly and may not lead to various signs and symptoms at first. Some rare types grow quickly and have a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body, which can make these cancers hard to treat.
How to treat chondrosarcoma in dogs?
The most successful treatment for CSA is surgical removal in dogs. In some cases, amputation of the limb or rib resection proves needed. Chemotherapy has not proven effective for a better result in conditions of chondrosarcoma.
What are the chances of a dog living with a tumor?
Around half of the dogs with malignant tumors also have an amazing prognosis with surgery alone. However, the remaining 50% of dogs with malignant tumors are at risk for the expansion of their tumor. This cancer can cause illness and poor quality of life, with survival times mainly less than one year.
