There are a variety of cancers that can occur in dogs, and chondrosarcoma is just one of them. It’s important to stay informed in case your dog is diagnosed with this type of cancer. Here’s what to know about chondrosarcoma in dogs:

What is Chondrosarcoma in Dogs?

Chondrosarcoma in dogs is a condition in which tumors form in the cartilage. Cartilage is a connective tissue found between the bones and joints. The cartilage provides cushioning at the end of the bones, decreasing friction. Cartilage can also be found in other areas, such as the nose, ears, trachea, and ribs.

Chondrosarcoma is a common tumor in dogs. The most affected area tends to be the nasal cavity; however, tumors have been found in the long bones of the limbs. Tumors have also been found in other extraskeletal areas of the body. It’s most often found in middle-aged dogs, although it can occur at any age.

Chondrosarcoma also tends to be most common in medium to large-breed dogs. Some breeds seem to be predisposed, including Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, as well as Rottweilers. Chondrosarcoma tends to be a fast-spreading and malignant type of cancer. If this is not diagnosed and treated early, it can be fatal. It can also metastasize to other areas of the body.

2 Types of Chondrosarcoma

There are two types of chondrosarcoma to be aware of. These types are medullary and peripheral.

1. Medullary chondrosarcoma starts within the organ of the bone.
2. Peripheral chondrosarcoma begins in the outer membrane, called the periosteum.

How Aggressive is Chondrosarcoma in Dogs?

Unfortunately, chondrosarcoma in dogs is a very aggressive type of tumor. It will require immediate treatment; otherwise, it can be life-threatening. If left untreated, the tumors will continue to grow, causing problems throughout the body.

What Causes Canine Chondrosarcoma?

Most types of cancers and tumors are often caused by a mix of factors, including some environmental or genetic factors. In the case of this particular type of cancer, there has been no specific cause found. Even though larger breeds seem more predisposed to chondrosarcoma, there has been no concrete evidence linking body size to chondrosarcoma.

What Are the Symptoms of Chondrosarcoma in Dogs?

If a dog has chondrosarcoma, you will see some signs and symptoms that will arise. Here are the symptoms of chondrosarcoma in dogs:

• You notice your dog limping or having trouble walking
• Pain and swelling in the area of the tumor
• If the tumor is in the nasal cavity, there will be some sneezing and discharge, as well as nasal bleeding
• There may be bone fractures if the tumor is in a limb
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Lethargy

These are some signs and symptoms you should never ignore in your dog. Be sure to give your veterinarian a call and schedule an appointment if you see anything concerning with your dog.

How is Canine Chondrosarcoma Diagnosed?

If your dog has chondrosarcoma, it will be diagnosed via a physical exam done by your veterinarian. They’ll start by reviewing your dog’s health history and doing a physical exam. They’ll feel around and look for signs of pain or discomfort from your dog.

They will also examine your dog with a complete blood count test and a urinalysis. They may also take some tissue samples from your dog’s lymph nodes to look for any cancer cells. Depending on the location of the tumor, radiographic testing can help show exactly how large and where the tumor is located.

A biopsy of the tumor will also be performed. Your veterinarian will use a tiny needle with a syringe to pull out a small sample of tumor cells. A veterinarian pathologist will examine the cells and make a diagnosis.

This is just an overview of chondrosarcoma in dogs. Getting your dog to the veterinarian can help determine the right course of action and treatment.