Chondrosarcoma of the Bone in Dogs Chondrosarcoma (CSA) of the
bone is a fast spreading and malignant form of cancer, which, if
not diagnosed and treated early, can be life threatening.
Chondrosarcoma arises from the cartilage of the body, the
connective tissue that is found between the bones and joints,
often metastasizing to other parts of the body, including the
ribs. This is the most common rib tumor found in dogs, and the
second most common primary tumor in dogs, representing 5 to 10
percent of all primary bone tumors. The majority of CSAs
involves flat bones, with about 30 percent occurring in the
nasal cavity and about 20 percent involving the ribs. This form
of cancer also affects the limbs, with a resulting weakening in
the structure of the bone due to the invasive tumor. Fractures
of the bone are common. Large dog breeds are at higher risk, as
well as older dogs. Chondrosarcoma most commonly affects dogs
around eight years of age, but it has been found in dogs of
almost all ages. Symptoms and Types