Survival times in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma treated by means of surgical resection with or without adjuvant chemotherapy: 23 cases (1986-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine survival times in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma treated by means of pericardectomy and tumor resection, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, and identify complications associated with treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 23 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were included only if the diagnosis was confirmed histologically. RESULTS: The most common initial complaints included acute collapse (8 [35%] dogs), anorexia or inappetence (8 [35%]), and lethargy (8 [35%]). The most common physical examination abnormalities included muffled heart sounds (12 [52%] dogs), tachycardia (7 [30%]), and weak pulses (7 [30%]). Postoperative complications developed in 12 (52%) dogs; however, most complications were minor. Twenty (87%) dogs were discharged from the hospital. Survival time was significantly longer in the 8 dogs that received adjuvant chemotherapy (mean, 164 days; median, 175 days) than in the 15 dogs that did not receive chemotherapy (mean, 46 days; median, 42 days). Dogs that received chemotherapy were significantly younger and had significantly lower WBC counts than did dogs that did not receive chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that in dogs with right atrial hemangiosarcoma, surgical resection of the tumor was associated with a low complication rate and complications that did arise typically were minor. In addition, use of adjuvant chemotherapy following resection was associated with significantly longer survival times, compared with resection alone.     

Outcome of epidural catheterization for delivery of analgesics in horses: 43 cases (1998-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine reasons for epidural catheter placement among horses examined at a veterinary teaching hospital, efficacy of epidural administration of analgesics, duration of catheter placement, reasons for catheter removal, and complications encountered. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 43 horses. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 50 epidural catheters were placed in the 43 horses. Underlying conditions included fractures, lacerations, septic arthritis, myositis, perineal injuries, and cellulitis. Horses ranged from 2 to 21 years old and weighed between 365 and 795 kg (803 and 1,749 lb). Median duration of catheter placement was 96 hours (range, 1.5 to 480 hours). The response to epidural drug administration was reported as positive in 34 horses and negative in 4. There was no apparent response in 2 horses, and response could not be determined in 3. Three temporary patient-related complications associated with epidural catheter administration were observed. Technical problems associated with the epidural catheters included dislodgement of the catheter itself (7 catheters) or of the adapter or filter (5), obstruction (5), and leakage (5). Twenty-two catheters were removed because of resolution of the underlying condition, and 10 were removed because of complications. For 6 catheters, the reason for catheter removal was not recorded. The remaining 12 catheters were in place when the horses were euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that epidural catheterization can be used successfully for repeated epidural delivery of analgesics and anesthetics in horses with various clinical conditions. Complications associated with epidural catheters or epidural drug administration were infrequent and transient.     

Evaluation of peripheral and central venous pressure in awake dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether peripheral venous pressure (PVP) was correlated with central venous pressure (CVP) when measured by use of different catheter sizes, catheterization sites, and body positions in awake dogs and cats. ANIMALS: 36 dogs and 10 cats. PROCEDURES: Dogs and cats with functional jugular and peripheral venous catheters were enrolled in the study. Peripheral venous catheters (18 to 24 gauge) were placed in a cephalic, lateral saphenous, or medial saphenous vein. Central venous catheters (5.5 to 8.5 F) were placed in the jugular vein and advanced into the cranial vena cava. Catheters were connected to pressure transducers and a blood pressure monitor capable of displaying 2 simultaneous pressure tracings. For each animal, the mean of 5 paired measurements of PVP and CVP was calculated. The relationship between PVP and CVP when measured by use of different catheter sizes, catheterization sites, and body positions was determined. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD PVP was 5.7 +/- 5.8 mm Hg higher than CVP in dogs and 6.0 +/- 6.9 mm Hg higher than CVP in cats. However, results of multiple regression analysis did not indicate a significant correlation between PVP and CVP, regardless of catheter size, catheter position, or body position. The relationship was weak in both dogs and cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The PVP was poorly correlated with CVP when different catheter sizes, catheterization sites, and patient positions were evaluated. Peripheral venous pressure should not be used to approximate CVP in awake dogs and cats.     

The use of an implantable central venous (Hickman) catheter for long-term venous access in dogs undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

Methods were developed for the insertion and maintenance of long-term central venous catheters in dogs in order to provide reliable venous access during bone marrow transplantation. Single-lumen, 9.6 Fr Hickman catheters with a VitaCuff were used. The catheter was inserted into the jugular vein via a surgical cut-down, and tunnelled subcutaneously to exit over the thoracic spine. Fluoroscopic guidance was necessary to ensure proper positioning of the catheter tip in the right atrium. The catheter was secured at the venous entrance site with a grommet and at the cutaneous exit site with a finger-cuff suture. The exit site was bandaged; dressings were changed daily. Five dogs were studied. Catheter insertion and maintenance techniques were developed using two dogs. For the other three dogs, which developed 7 wk of profound myelosuppression induced by total body irradiation, the catheters were used for blood sampling and infusions of antibiotics, fluids, and blood products. For these three dogs there were 261 total catheter-days. Complete catheter obstruction did not occur. Partial obstruction (inability to withdraw blood) occurred for 13 days with one catheter. The tip of this catheter was in the cranial vena cava. One irradiated dog had a staphylococcal exit site infection for several days after catheter insertion, which resolved with antibiotic therapy. Infections of the subcutaneous tunnel, and catheter associated bacteremia, were not identified. Infectious and hemorrhagic complications of myelosuppression were less severe than in six other dogs where intermittent venipuncture was used for vascular access during radiation induced myelosuppression. In conclusion, long-term central venous catheterization is feasible in dogs during profound myelosuppression and markedly facilitates patient management.     

Carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac in dogs: 113 cases (1985-1995)

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the signalment, clinical signs, biological behavior, and response to treatment of carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 113 dogs with histologically confirmed carcinoma of the apocrine glands of the anal sac. PROCEDURE: Data on signalment, clinical signs, and staging were reviewed and analyzed along with treatment modality for potential association with survival time. RESULTS: Sex distribution was approximately equal (54% female, 46% male). One hundred four dogs underwent treatment consisting of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or multimodal treatment. Median survival for treated dogs was 544 days (range, 0 to 1,873 days). Dogs treated with chemotherapy alone had significantly shorter survival (median, 212 days) than those receiving other treatments (median, 584 days). Dogs not treated with surgery had significantly shorter survival (median, 402 days) than those that underwent surgery as part of their treatment (median, 548 days). Dogs with tumors > or = 10 cm2 had significantly shorter survival (median, 292 days) than dogs with tumors < 10 cm2 (median, 584 days). Hypercalcemia was identified in 27% (n = 29) of dogs, and those dogs had significantly shorter survival (median, 256 days), compared with those that were normocalcemic (median, 584 days). Dogs with pulmonary metastasis had significantly shorter survival (median, 219 days) than dogs without evidence of pulmonary metastasis (median, 548 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Unlike most previous reports, this study revealed an approximately equal sex distribution, and results suggest a more favorable prognosis.     

Transvenous coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus in small (≤3.0 kg) dogs

Background: Surgical and interventional therapy for occlusion of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in small dogs is challenging. Interventional closure of a PDA is rarely described in small dogs. Hypothesis: Transvenous single‐coil occlusion of a PDA in small (≤3.0 kg) dogs is possible and safe. Animals: Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs with a left‐to‐right shunting PDA. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Inclusion criteria were a left‐to‐right shunting PDA and a body weight ≤3.0 kg. Dogs with additional congenital cardiac diseases were excluded. Without arterial access, a single detachable coil was implanted by a transvenous approach with a 4 Fr catheter. Results: Twenty‐one dogs were the study population with Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier being the commonest breeds (n = 6 and n = 5, respectively). There were 14 female and 7 male dogs. The age range was 1.9–83.5 months (median, 7.7 months), and the body weight was 1.0–2.9 kg (1.87 ± 0.45). By angiography, the minimal ductal diameter measured 1.2–2.4 mm (median, 1.8 mm) and the PDA ampulla diameter was 2.4–5.9 mm (median, 4.6 mm). Coil implantation was successful in all dogs. After detachment of the coil from the delivery cable, repositioning of the pulmonary loop of the coil became necessary in 1 dog. The prevalence of immediate closure was 76%. The prevalence of cumulative closure was 90%. Conclusion: For an experienced cardiologist, transvenous occlusion of a PDA in small dogs is possible with a 4 Fr catheter and a commercial single detachable coil. Arterial access is not essential. The procedure is safe and successful in experienced hands.     

Evaluation of Single-Agent Mitoxantrone as Chemotherapy for Relapsing Canine Lymphoma

Many chemotherapeutic regimens will induce remission in dogs with lymphoma, but almost all dogs suffer relapse. Mitoxantrone was selected for evaluation as single-agent chemotherapy for relapsing canine lymphoma based on its use in humans undergoing salvage chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and its tumoricidal effect against canine lymphoma. Dogs entered into study had multicentric lymphoma, and all had been treated solely with a standard combination chemotherapy protocol. At 1st relapse, all dogs were again staged and underwent lymph node biopsy. Mitoxantrone was administered IV at 6 mg/m² every 21 days. Dogs were evaluated for lymphadenopathy before each dose of mitoxantrone. Fifteen dogs were entered into study. The average age (±SEM) of the dogs studied was 7.7 ± 0.91 years, and most dogs were large (mean ± SEM weight, 24.44 ± 2.15 kg). Twelve dogs (80%) had B-cell lymphoma, and 3 had T-cell lymphoma. Dogs were staged IV (n = 12) or V (n = 3). The median duration of chemotherapy before entry into the study was 98 days. Overall median duration of response after mitoxantrone chemotherapy was 21 days. Complete responses were attained in 7 of 15 dogs (47%) with a median response duration of 84 days. Nine of 15 (60%) dogs attained a complete remission with additional chemotherapy after failing mitoxantrone chemotherapy. Mild toxicities were observed after mitoxantrone administration. No adverse reactions were observed during mitoxantrone infusions. The results of this study demonstrate that mitoxantrone, as a single agent, has limited value for dogs with lymphoma at 1st relapse after conventional multidrug chemotherapy.     

Histiocytic sarcomas in flat-coated retrievers: a summary of 37 cases (November 1998–March 2005)

Thirty‐seven cases of histiocytic‐like sarcomas (HLSs) in flat‐coated retriever dogs were evaluated retrospectively. This tumour accounted for 36% of the malignant tumours seen in this breed during the study period. The median age at presentation was 8.2 years. Thirty‐four dogs presented with a swelling or mass in a muscle group or surrounding a joint. The remaining three presented for rib (1), cutaneous (1) or primary splenic origin (1). A high rate of metastasis to local lymph nodes (45%), thorax (20%) and abdominal organs (20% confirmed) was seen. Overall metastastic rate by the time of death was 70%. The median survival for all dogs was 123 days. The most significant prognostic indicator was presence of distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis with median survival of 68 or 200 days, with or without metastasis, respectively. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy significantly improved survival. Dogs given chemotherapy survived a median of 185 versus 34 days for dogs that were not (P = 0.0008). Dogs treated with radiation survived a median of 182 versus 60 days for those that were not (P = 0.0282). Dogs receiving only palliative therapy survived a median of 17 versus 167 days in dogs receiving any kind of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or combinations. A set protocol of radiation and CCNU (RTCCNU) induced minimal toxicity and provided a median survival of 208 versus 68 days for all other dogs. While this tumour carries a poor long‐term prognosis in flat‐coated retrievers, it is reasonable to treat these dogs for palliation of signs and extension of life.     

Gross and histopathological observations of long-term catheterized vessels in experimental sheep

Chronic indwelling central vessel catheters provide vascular access for compartmental infusion or sampling. However, complications with catheter patency during the postoperative and/or experimental period often arise. In order to identify physiological occurrences common with such complications, 10 multicatheterized sheep (61.8 +/- 7.8 kg BW), obtained from a previous nutrient flux study were used for gross and histopathological investigation. Catheters had been surgically placed in a hepatic portal vein (PVC), a hepatic vein (HVC), a distal mesenteric vein (MVC) and a mesenteric artery (MAC). In the previous study, catheters (PVC, HVC and MAC) were used to collect blood samples or infuse (MVC) p-aminohippurate. Catheters were maintained for a total of 58 days prior to necropsy. Histopathological findings indicated that catheter failures were associated with the following tissue responses: (i) thromboses with frequent focal vasculitis; (ii) euplastic tissues associated with extensive fibrosis; (iii) granulomas; (iv) neo-vascularization of the media; (v) calcification processes; and (vi) micro-abscesses. Additional studies are needed that address and incorporate improvement of catheter design and placement to minimize irritation of endothelium, improvement of catheter treatments and therapeutic regimes, and development and use of alternative anti-coagulants. A greater understanding of the mechanisms leading to failure will help researchers improve catheter performance and patency.     

Evaluation of a polyurethane jugular catheter in cats placed using a modified Seldinger technique

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the placement of a new design of polyurethane jugular catheter in cats using a modification of the technique of Seldinger. The maintenance and use of these catheters for repeated blood sampling over several days in healthy and diabetic cats is reported. PROCEDURE: Thirty polyurethane jugular catheters were placed in 10 clinically healthy cats and 10 cats with diabetes mellitus using the modified Seldinger technique. Catheters were placed while the cats were under general anaesthesia. RESULTS: The catheters remained in place for a range of 2 to 14 days (median 5 days) with no major complications. In all cats patency of the catheters was maintained until removal. All cats examined had patent jugular veins when assessed 4 or more weeks after the catheters were removed. CONCLUSIONS: These polyurethane jugular catheters, when placed by a modified Seldinger technique, are effective and safe in cats, and jugular patency returns after the catheters are removed.     

Conventional fractionated radiotherapy outcomes for young dogs with nephroblastoma of the spinal cord: 5 cases

Published radiotherapy results for spinal nephroblastomas in dogs are limited. In this retrospective longitudinal study (1/2007–1/2022), five dogs with a median age of 2.8 years received post-operative 3D conformal, conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) with 2–4 fields (parallel-opposed with or without two hinge-angle fields), for an incompletely resected nephroblastoma. Clinical findings prior to surgery included one or more of the following: pelvic limb paresis (5), faecal incontinence (2), flaccid tail (1), non-ambulatory (2) and deep pain loss (1). All masses were located between T11 and L3 and surgically removed via hemilaminectomy. Dogs received 45–50 Gray (Gy) in 18–20 fractions, and no dogs received chemotherapy post-radiation. At analysis, all dogs were deceased, with none lost to follow-up. The median overall survival (OS) from first treatment to death of any cause was 3.4 years (1234 days; 95% CI 68 days-upper limit not reached; range: 68–3607 days). The median planning target volume was 51.3 cc, with a median PTV dose of 51.4 Gy and median D98 = 48.3 Gy. Late complications or recurrence was difficult to fully determine in this small dataset; however, some degree of ataxia persisted throughout life in all dogs. This study provides preliminary evidence that post-operative radiotherapy may result in prolonged survival times dogs with spinal nephroblastomas.     

The clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, and histopathologic effects of epidural ketorolac in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and histopathologic effects of epidural ketorolac. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded, randomized, placebo controlled study. ANIMALS: Twenty-two adult mixed breed dogs with 16 treatment and 6 control dogs, weighing 14.4 to 29.8 kg. METHODS: Dogs were anesthetized and epidural catheters were placed at the lumbosacral space. Catheter placement was evaluated fluoroscopically. Ketorolac (0.4 mg/kg) or placebo (5% ethanol) was administered epidurally over a 52-hour period, with 5 injections given at 12-hour intervals. At 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours after the first and last injection of ketorolac, dogs were anesthetized and CSF was obtained. Control dogs had CSF sampled 1 hour after the first and last ethanol injection. Neurologic function and pain responses were evaluated before and during the study. Selected dogs were then killed and necropsies performed. RESULTS: None of the dogs exhibited any clinical or neurologic abnormalities during the study. No statistical difference was noted in pain response or CSF analysis between treatment and control dogs. Gross necropsy revealed gastrointestinal ulceration of varying degrees in all treatment dogs. Histopathologic analysis of the spinal cord and meninges revealed minimal focal leptomeningeal phlebitis in 2 of 8 treatment dogs and minor subdural inflammation in 1 control dog. No changes to the neural structures were noted in any dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural administration of ketorolac did not cause clinical signs, alteration in CSF values, or pathologic changes to the spinal cord when used for short duration. Gastrointestinal ulceration was common when ketorolac was administered epidurally at 0.4 mg/kg every 12 hours for 5 treatments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study documented the neurologic safety of epidural ketorolac in dogs before an efficacy trial can be performed. Gastrointestinal ulceration may limit use to short duration or a single injection.     

Community-acquired infectious pneumonia in puppies: 65 cases (1993-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To identify causative organisms, treatment, outcome, and prognosis for dogs < 1 year old with community-acquired infectious pneumonia. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 65 dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs were considered to have community-acquired infectious pneumonia if they had clinical signs of primary respiratory tract disease in conjunction with radiographic evidence of alveolar disease and positive results following bacterial culture of tracheal wash fluid. RESULTS: Most dogs were hypoxemic at the time of initial examination, with pulmonary function becoming worse during the first few days of hospitalization before improving; 57 (88%) dogs survived to discharge. Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from tracheal wash fluid from 32 (49%) dogs, and other organisms, predominantly gram-negative enteric bacteria, were isolated from the other 33 (51%). Dogs with Bordetella pneumonia were significantly younger (median, 14 vs 21 weeks), were significantly more likely to have been obtained from a pet store (19/31 vs 7/32), had been owned for a significantly shorter time prior to the onset of illness (median, 18 vs 90 days), had significantly higher PvCO2 values at initial examination (median, 48.7 vs 41.3 mm Hg), were significantly more likely to receive supplemental oxygen (25/32 vs 16/33), and had significantly longer hospitalization times (mean, 7.2 vs 4.9 days) than did dogs with pneumonia caused by any other organism. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that a type of community-acquired infectious pneumonia could be identified in dogs < 1 year old, with disease being more severe in dogs with Bordetella pneumonia than in dogs with pneumonia caused by other bacterial organisms.     

Evaluation of surgical repair of humeral condylar fractures using self-compressing orthofix pins in 23 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report short- and long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in dogs with humeral condylar fractures repaired using self-compressing Orthofix pins. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation with solicited long-term clinical and radiographic evaluations. ANIMALS: Twenty-three dogs with humeral condylar fractures. METHODS: Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Owners were asked to return dogs for long-term clinical and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Dogs were aged 1.5-26 months (mean+/-SD, 5.8+/-5.0 months) with 20 dogs weighing <5 kg (mean, 3.6+/-2.8 kg). Of 21 dogs with immediate post-operative radiographs, 10 had anatomic reduction with the rest having either a step and/or gap at the articular surface. Kirschner wire migration and implant loosening were the most common post-operative complications. All fractures with adequate follow-up radiographic evaluations achieved union. Twelve of 13 dogs returned for long-term evaluation (mean, 19.0+/-18.5 months) were either sound (10 dogs) or had subtle, weight-bearing lameness (2). Fourteen dogs had radiographs >/=75 days after surgery (mean, 18.7+/-18.3 months), 8 dogs (57%) had no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA; mean OA score, 0.8; median 0), and all dogs had good or excellent limb function. CONCLUSIONS: Self-compressing Orthofix pins are suitable implants for the stabilization of humeral condylar fractures in small breed dogs. Implants were convenient and simple to use and complications were easily resolved. Dogs consistently had good long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes with no or minimal lameness and OA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Self-compressing Orthofix pins should be considered for the repair of humeral condylar fractures in small breed dogs.     

Comparison of Two Indwelling Central Venous Access Catheters in Dogs Undergoing Fractionated Radiotherapy

Twenty dogs with neoplasms requiring multiple radiation treatments received either percutaneous vascular access catheters (PVACs; Cook, Bloomington, IN) or subcutaneous vascular access ports (SVAPs; Vascular-Access-Ports, Norfolk Medical Products, Inc., Skokie, IL); 10 dogs were entered in each group. All catheters were implanted and removed aseptically and the catheter tips were cultured during implant removal. Complications with PVACs included mild incisional swelling and redness and accidental severance or rupture of the catheter. Complications with SVAPs included incisional or port swelling, bruising or redness, hematoma formation, and pain. Ports in 4 of these dogs could not be used for 1 to 3 days after surgery because of swelling and pain. Surgical wound complications, when pooled for comparison, occurred significantly more frequently with the SVAPs ( P = .023). Wound complications associated with both catheters were self-limiting and resolved within 7 days. Bacterial cultures were positive in two PVACs and four SVAP tips, however, none of these dogs had clinical signs of infection or sepsis. Although both types of indwelling catheters were functional in a clinical setting, PVACs were preferred to SVAPs for dogs undergoing radiation therapy because of decreased time for implantation and fewer overall complications.     

Percutaneous endoscopic tube gastrostomy in dogs

Percutaneous endoscopic tube gastrostomy was performed in 10 dogs, using mushroom-tip catheters (16 to 24 F) maintained in place for 5 to 32 days. Dogs were observed daily. Although placement of the catheter was simple and quick, 3 dogs destroyed their catheters. Patency of the catheter was maintained with or without regular flushings with saline solution. Pyrexia (greater than or equal to 39.4 C) developed in 3 dogs, but the rectal temperature returned to base line within 24 hours after catheter removal. After catheter removal, all wounds healed without complication. All dogs were euthanatized. Five were examined radiographically before euthanasia to determine the fate of the mushroom tip after transection of the catheter at skin level between days 5 and 21, and 5 dogs were evaluated at postmortem examination between days 10 and 32. In all dogs, the tip was not present in the gastrointestinal tract by 96 hours after catheter transection. During postmortem examination of the 5 dogs, minimal inflammatory lesions were seen in the gastric tissue. A gastrocutaneous fistula had formed in each dog, resulting in an adhesion between the stomach and peritoneum.     

Atrial cannulation for long-term sequential blood collection in gilts

Polyvinyl chloride tubing (ID, 1.27 mm; OD, 2.29 mm) was placed via the jugular vein into the right atrium of thirty-five 120- to 200-day-old gilts. Catheters remained patent for 14 to 88 days (mean, 41 days). The major cause of loss of function was damage inflicted by the gilt (20 catheters), whereas only 3 catheters lost patency because of blockage. Using a pulley and counterweight system the exteriorized end of the catheter was suspended above the gilt, facilitating blood collection and minimizing disturbance of the gilts.     

Clinical outcome of nonnasal chondrosarcoma in dogs: thirty-one cases (1986-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate metastatic rate and survival times of dogs with chondrosarcoma of nonnasal bony sites treated by wide surgical excision. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=31) with chondrosarcoma. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs with chondrosarcoma of bone in potentially surgically accessible sites. When complete information was not available in the medical record, owners and referring veterinarians were contacted by telephone to evaluate the course of disease and survival times. When possible, histopathologic diagnosis was confirmed by a single board certified pathologist and tumors were histologically graded. RESULTS: Dogs treated by wide surgical excision (n=18) had a mean survival time of 3097 days and did not reach median survival time. Dogs untreated except for diagnostic biopsy (n =13) had a median survival time of 523 days and a mean survival time of 495 days. Method of treatment and tumor grade predicted survival time (P=.016 and P=.007, respectively). Metastatic rate was 28% for treated dogs and 15% for untreated dogs, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P=.39). CONCLUSIONS: Wide surgical excision significantly improves survival time for dogs with chondrosarcoma of nonnasal bony sites, but does not affect the likelihood of metastasis. Grade may be prognostic for survival. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical excision benefits dogs with chondrosarcoma and can result in prolonged survival times. Metastasis still occurs in approximately 1 of 4 dogs even after surgical resection.