Chondrosarcoma | Nuta

Nuta’s story

Chondrosarcoma of bone is a fast-spreading, malignant tumour; 63% of chondrosarcomas tend to form metastases, which means it can pose an immediate threat to life if it is not diagnosed early and appropriate treatment is not started. Chondrosarcoma arises from cartilage tissue found between bones and joints and is the second most common primary bone tumour in dogs, accounting for 5–10% of all primary bone tumours. Of all breeds, golden retrievers are the most predisposed to developing chondrosarcomas. Chondrosarcoma is also the most common rib tumour in dogs, and this was exactly the kind of tumour in Nuta’s case. 

The first signs of the disease in Nuta appeared as lameness of the right forelimb. Clinical examination revealed a huge tumour on the right side of the chest, and a series of X-rays showed a tumour involving the 3rd to 6th ribs. Extending the diagnostic work-up to include computed tomography helped to plan the surgery. During the procedure the affected ribs were removed and a special surgical mesh was built into the chest wall in their place. 

After a short period of convalescence, Nuta regained her pre-illness condition.

Chondrosarcoma in dogs – location, symptoms and treatment

Chondrosarcoma is a malignant tumour arising from cartilage tissue. In dogs it most often develops in flat bones – the ribs, nasal cavity and pelvis – and less often in the long bones of the limbs.

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the location of the tumour:

• ribs – a hard, immovable mass on the chest wall, forelimb lameness (as in Nuta’s case), sometimes difficulty breathing,
• nasal cavity – nasal discharge or bleeding, sneezing, deformation of the muzzle,
• limb and pelvic bones – lameness, swelling, pain.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis includes X-rays, computed tomography (essential for planning surgery) and histopathology, which makes it possible to distinguish chondrosarcoma from other bone tumours, e.g. osteosarcoma.

The mainstay of treatment is wide surgical excision of the tumour – in the case of ribs, together with reconstruction of the chest wall. When surgery is not possible (e.g. in the nasal cavity), radiotherapy is considered. The prognosis depends on the location of the tumour, its grade and whether it could be removed completely.