Syzdekistan

We got the test results from the veterinarian and Spencer has feline chrondosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Bone cancer is very rare in cats (4.9 per 100,000) and this cancer is even rarer than the more common malignant osteosarcoma. One article states: “Chondrosarcoma is rare in cats, representing only four of 103 (3.9%) skeletal neoplasms in three previous series. The scapula is the most frequently reported site. Limb amputation has been reported in the treatment of at least three cats with chondrosarcoma. Two cats died of tumorrelated causes at 7 and 52 weeks, and one cat was disease-free 18 weeks postoperatively.”

Since bone cancers are more common in dogs there is more information online about canine bone cancers. This is a good description of chondrosarcoma: “Chondrosarcoma is a cartilage tumor, possibly not as malignant as the osteosarcoma. The chondrosarcoma generally occurs on flat bones such ribs or skull bones and is not usually found in the limbs. Still, should a chondrosarcoma occur in the limb, treatment recommendations would still include amputation of the affected bone and biopsy of the tissue after amputation would allow for any adjustments in chemotherapy.”

Another, more general site, has some good Frequently Asked Questions about cancer in pets.

Our vet is consulting with a oncologist to determine treatment options and Spencer’s prognosis. We’ll take him in Friday for some blood work to determine a reason for his weight loss from 8 to 6 pounds. Surgical removal of the the tumor and part of the scapula may be required. Of course, if his weight loss is due to other disease, his condition may not be good enough for surgery.

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