Aortic chondroid neoplasia in two Labrador Retriever dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Cardiology
• Veterinary Pathology
• Canine Neoplasia

Background:

• Two Labrador Retrievers presented with similar clinical signs including weakness and decreased femoral pulses.
• Both dogs underwent cardiac evaluation at a veterinary medical center.

Observation:

• The first dog exhibited cardiogenic shock and biventricular congestive heart failure, diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.
• The second dog presented with a milder course, showing an intraluminal aortic valve mass but preserved left ventricular function.

Findings:

• Autopsy revealed obstructive masses in the ascending aorta and arch in both dogs.
• Histopathology confirmed a benign chondroma in the first dog and a malignant chondrosarcoma in the second.
• This case series highlights contrasting presentations of canine aortic neoplasia.

Implications:

• Aortic neoplasia can lead to diverse cardiac manifestations, including congestive heart failure.
• This report proposes cardiac failure secondary to aortic neoplasia as a potential pathogenesis.
• Understanding these presentations is crucial for diagnosing and managing canine aortic tumors.