All canine diagnoses

Your dog was diagnosed with Chondrosarcoma. Second most common primary bone tumour in dogs. Prognosis significantly better than osteosarcoma overall. Behaviour and prognosis depend heavily on tumour grade and anatomical site. Compare 2 treatment options for dogs including Wide Surgical Excision / Amputation, Radiation Therapy (Nasal Chondrosarcoma) — with survival times, costs, and what to expect during treatment.

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Chondrosarcoma

BreedsLarge breed dogsGolden Retriever
canine

Mesenchymal

About This Cancer

Chondrosarcoma is a cancer of cartilage-producing cells and is the second most common primary bone tumour in dogs after osteosarcoma. It can arise in the limb bones, ribs, nasal cavity, or larynx. Unlike osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma generally carries a significantly better prognosis because it tends to grow more slowly and spread less readily — especially the low-grade forms. The outlook depends heavily on the tumour's location and microscopic grade: low-grade tumours at accessible sites can often be cured with surgery alone, while high-grade tumours behave more aggressively and may require additional treatment. Nasal chondrosarcoma can respond to radiation therapy. Large breed dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers, appear to be at somewhat higher risk.

Histological Grading (I–III)

Based on cellularity, mitotic index, and matrix production.

Stage Grade IWell-differentiated. 0% pulmonary metastasis. MST ~6 years.
Stage Grade IIModerately differentiated. 31% pulmonary metastasis. MST ~2.7 years.
Stage Grade IIIPoorly differentiated. 50% pulmonary metastasis. MST ~0.9 years.
Prognostic Factors(2)
Histological gradeGrade I: MST ~6 years, 0% mets. Grade II: MST ~2.7 years, 31% mets. Grade III: MST ~0.9 years, 50% mets.(Farese et al., 2009 (PMID 20017847))
Anatomical siteRib: MST >3 years (excellent). Appendicular: MST ~979 days. Nasal: more guarded, 1–2 year MST with RT.
Minimum Workup(4 steps)
1Histopathological biopsy with grading
2Three-view thoracic radiographs
3CT or MRI of primary site
4Complete blood count and biochemistry

Median Survival Time Comparison

How long the average patient survives with each treatment

Bar opacity reflects evidence strength
Wide Surgical Excision / Amputation
~33 mo (11–72)
Radiation Therapy (Nasal Chondrosarcoma)
~18 mo (12–24)
Reading this page: MST (Median Survival Time) is how long the average patient survives with a given treatment. ORR (Overall Response Rate) is the percentage of patients whose tumour shrank or disappeared. CR = Complete Response (tumour gone); PR = Partial Response (tumour shrank). Hover over any abbreviation for a quick explanation.
Strength of Evidence

Each treatment is rated by how much published research supports its use. Solid bars indicate stronger evidence; dashed bars mean less certainty.

StrongLarge published studies with strong agreement among veterinary oncologists.
ModerateWidely used in clinical practice, but supported by smaller or retrospective studies.
IndirectEvidence comes from a different tumour type or species and has been applied here.
LimitedVery little published data is available for this specific treatment.

Please note: All treatment data is sourced from published peer-reviewed literature. Survival times and cost figures are approximate guides. Your pet's individual factors — including tumour grade, stage, and overall health — will influence outcomes and should guide all treatment decisions. The strength-of-evidence rating reflects how much research exists, not how strongly a treatment is recommended. This tool is designed to help you have informed conversations with your veterinary oncologist, not to replace them. Costs shown are US referral centre estimates and may vary significantly by region.