Introduction

• Many different tumors have been described involving the musculoskeletal system, including osteoma, osteosarcoma, chordoma, chondrosarcoma and fibrosarcoma.
• Signs: mass/lump, posterior paresis, ataxia.
• Diagnosis: radiography, myelography, CT, biopsy.
• Treatment: surgical removal.

Pathogenesis

Pathophysiology

• The types of neoplasia derive from the tissue of origin.
• Chordomas Chordoma arise from remnants of the notochord.
• Osteomas arise from the skull, zygomatic arch, parietal bone or occipital bone.
• Chondrosarcomas have been described appearing on the tail; morphologic description is similar to chordomas but can be differentiated with immunohistochemistry.
• Fibrosarcomas arise from the periosteal tissue of the perivertebral connective tissue.

Epidemiology

• Tumors of the skeletal system are relatively common in ferrets, while tumors of the muscles are relatively rare.
• Chordomas are the most commonly reported musculoskeletal neoplasm in ferrets.
• Malignant tumors are far less common than their benign counterparts.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes