Pancreatic Cancer (Insulinoma) in Dogs

Insulinoma is a cancerous growth (also known as a tumor) located on the pancreas in dogs. A healthy pancreas helps produce insulin, which controls the glucose levels in the dog’s body. Insulinomas prevent the pancreas from functioning properly. These tumors cause the insulin levels to rise dramatically, which in turn, cause the glucose levels to decrease. Low levels of glucose can lead to dogs collapsing, or suffering from seizures or other neurological problems.

Insulinoma are tumors on the dog’s pancreas, the organ which regulates and controls both insulin and glucose. These tumors prevent the pancreas from functioning normally. The dog’s decreased glucose levels begin to cause weakness and neurological disorders, and can lead to death if left untreated.

 If your pet begins to show behavioral changes that cause you concern, do not delay in seeking a veterinary opinion. Symptoms of insulinoma include the following:

• Collapse
• Incoordination
• Seizures
  
• Disorientation
• Muscle tremors
  
• Weakness
  
• Lethargy
  
• Depression
  

While physical collapse is the most common symptom, a dog exhibiting any of these symptoms should be given medical attention immediately. Symptoms can be sporadic due to the release of insulin; it may help to record any of these signs as they appear to assist your veterinarian in the diagnosis.

Insulinoma is caused by cancerous growth on the pancreas. The presence of these tumors cause the dog’s insulin levels to increase, in turn decreasing the glucose in their bloodstream. Without a functioning pancreas, dogs can become weak and suffer neurological problems. It is also likely that this cancer will metastasize and spread throughout the body, possibly causing death.

Diagnosis of insulinoma often begins after the dog has exhibited several symptoms consistent with the disease. Your veterinarian will likely request that a blood sample be taken to examine the glucose levels. If low glucose levels are found, your veterinarian may want to continue to test for insulinoma and monitoring the dog’s glucose levels. To do so, they will likely order multiple blood samples - particularly ones where the dog is fasting and not fasting to see if there is persistent hypoglycemia. Additional tests for “amended insulin:glucose ratio” (AIGR) may be performed, particularly if the dog’s insulin levels are on the lower end but still considered to be relatively normal. Your veterinarian will also make sure to rule out any other diseases that could be causing the symptoms or changes in glucose levels during this time. In additional to blood tests, diagnostic imaging may also be utilized to determine the presence of a tumor, along with its possible size (though this method can be difficult due to the small size of the pancreas). Unfortunately, the most effective way of diagnosing insulinoma is visualization of the tumor during abdominal surgery, during which the surgeon will examine the organ for any growths. However, if the veterinarian does not feel comfortable putting the dog through surgery (or has other confirmation that the tumors are present), they will likely begin treatment without direct visualization of the tumors.

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Emergency treatment is needed. If your dog collapses or exhibits any of the other symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Immediate treatment typically involves administering glucose to the dog, though steroids and intravenous fluids may also be needed. Once the tumor is located, removal will depend on several factors, such as the dog’s age and current health status. If the procedure is not considered too risky, your veterinarian may elect to surgically remove the tumor. Additional treatment will be needed if the growths have metastasized and spread throughout the body. Medications, as well as chemotherapy, can help treat insulinoma but there are some serious side effects to these treatments. Your veterinarian will likely also consult with you regarding your pet’s nutrition - a dietary plan may be put in place to help monitor your dog’s glucose levels.

Prognosis is poor if insulinoma is detected late or symptoms are ignored. Due to the aggressiveness of this cancer, it is often metastatic and malignant. If insulinoma is caught early, survival rates are fair. Treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy and dietary management may help extend the pet’s life.