An insulinoma is a tumor of the pancreas that secretes excessive amounts of insulin, which leads to hypoglycemia.
Insulinoma in dogs
- It is more common in middle-aged and older dogs (8-12 years).
- Breeds at risk: Labradors, boxers, fox terriers, setters.
- Most insulinomas in dogs are malignant with a high risk of metastases (liver, lymph nodes, peritoneum).
Symptoms
- Occasional weak or unsteady walking
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Collapse, muscle weakness
- Tremors, agitation
- Polyphagia or anorexia
- Symptoms are often episodic, especially after exercise or fasting
Diagnosis:
- Blood chemistry test, fasting test, abdominal ultrasound (uninformative), CT or
- MRI - more sensitive methods, especially for detecting metastases, Laparotomy - to confirm and remove the tumor.
Treatment:
- Surgical excision, most effective for a single tumor, can produce long-term remission, but recurrence is possible, medical treatment (if the tumor is inoperable or recurrent):
Insulinoma in cats
- An extremely rare tumor.
- Symptoms and diagnosis are the same as in dogs.
- Often detected late, after the development of severe hypoglycemia or seizures.
Treatment:
- Also mainly surgical, if possible.
- Medical supportive treatment is the same as in dogs.
Prognosis:
- Depending on the stage and treatment method, 2-18 months.