What Is Nasal Chondrosarcoma in Dogs?

Nasal chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cartilage inside a dog’s nose or sinuses. It’s not very common, and it grows slowly—but it can still cause big problems by spreading into nearby areas like the bones around the nose, the sinuses, or even the eyes or brain. While it’s more often seen in large or older dogs, younger pups can get it too, just like Lucy Jean did. Overall, nasal tumors are rare, and chondrosarcoma is an even smaller portion of those cases, but when it shows up, it needs serious attention.

Signs to Watch For

The early signs are often subtle, which can make early detection difficult. Watch for:

• Persistent nasal discharge (especially if it’s bloody)

• Sneezing or difficulty breathing through the nose

• Facial swelling

• Reverse sneezing or snoring

• Eye discharge or bulging eyes

Because nasal chondrosarcoma is locally invasive, symptoms usually worsen over time if untreated.