Dog Nasal Chondrosarcoma

What is Nasal Chondrosarcoma?

Nasal Chondrosarcoma is basically a cancerous tumor in a dog’s nasal area. These tumors are only responsible for a small portion of dog tumors, but they are responsible for up to 80% of all of the tumors found in the respiratory area. These tumors are usually present in the sinus and nasal cavity area. Though these tumors are serious and most often malignant, only a small portion tends to spread to other areas of the dog’s body. Research has been done, but like many other cancers the cause has not yet been discovered. It seems to be quite prominent in young dogs and puppies, but it does not discriminate by sex. Both an equal amount of female and male canines have been afflicted with these kinds of tumors. These tumors also do not discriminate by dog breed either. Both cats and dogs have been known to have Nasal Chondrosarcoma, and upon research of the cat tumor and the dog tumor they are quite similar.

What are the symptoms of Nasal Chondrosarcoma?

Be advised that different dogs react in different ways, so if your dog is showing any abnormal symptoms take them to a veterinarian to be evaluated. The most noted clinical symptoms of Nasal Chondrosarcoma can include one or more of the following:

1. Dog Anorexia. If your dog has been losing weight or showing a disinterest in food (Dog Loss of Appetite), this is something to consider and have checked.

2. Epistaxis. This is bleeding from the nose or nasal cavity without having suffered an injury to that particular area.

3. Consistent Dog Sneezing. If you notice that your dog has been sneezing more often or when they do sneeze they can’t seem to stop (usually 10-12 times in a row), this can also be a symptom.

4. Halitosis or Dog Bad Breath. If upon approaching the animal you notice a sour or foul odor coming from their breath that was not present before, this can also be an indicator of Nasal Chondrosarcoma.

5. Dog Seizures. If your canine has suddenly developed seizures, Nasal Chondrosarcoma could be the culprit.

6. Facial deformity. If their eyes seem to be bulging or their face does not look quite right, this could be a cause.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Nasal Chondrosarcoma is diagnosed in a variety of ways. It usually begins with routine lab tests such as a CBC (complete blood count) and urinalysis. It will then progress to more invasive tests such as a CT scan or an MRI. If these tests are evaluated and found to be abnormal, it is usual protocol to proceed with a Rhinoscopy ( a look into the nasal passages of the dog) and a rhinotomy (actual incision into the nasal cavity area). The rhinotomy will allow for a biopsy to be done and sent to a lab to see if there is a malignancy. Once it is in fact diagnosed as a malignant Nasal Chondrosarcoma it can then be treated. There are a few different ways that treatment can be approached. Surgery coupled with radiation and chemotherapy is one option. Another option is an addition of antibiotic therapy to that protocol to prevent any secondary infection from occurring after the surgery. After much research it is the consensus that surgery coupled with radiation is the best and most effective way to approach these tumors.

What is the canine prognosis after treatment?

Though it will differ from case to case, the survival time for those who have had surgery is anywhere from 1-2 years on average. Adding radiation will only increase this survival time by a few months and in some cases not at all. As with any other type of Dog Cancer and cancerous tumors, the earlier the detection, the better the chances of recovery. If you think that your dog could be suffering from Nasal Chondrosarcoma, it is best to have them evaluated immediately to increase their survival time.

Suggested Products

Mouth Drops for Dog Bad Breath
Cancer Support Kit for Dogs
Nu-Pet Vitamin and Antioxidant Wafers
Respiratory Aid – Support for a dog’s cough and breathing problems