
Insulinoma – Tumor of Pancreatic Cells
The tumor can be removed by surgery, but unfortunately it ends recidivando the rest of the pancreas and spreading in the form of metastases. The causes of their appearance are not known, however, older dogs are more likely to develop these tumors.
Symptoms of insulinoma will be similar to symptoms of hypoglycemia such as:
– sleepiness and laziness
– General condition of weakness
– Seizures
– Pale gums
– Lack of appetite
– Weak pulse and slower heartbeat
– fainting or sudden collapse;
In these crises if you run a little sugar, corn syrup (Karo honey) or honey their Animal pets can improve suddenly, however pancreatic tumor will cause a persistent fall in blood glucose , making these attacks become constant, even after eating or receive these glucose doses orally.
DIAGNOSIS:
The diagnosis can be made based on symptoms and performing some tests and measurements of sanguine values s. If the veterinarian suspects Insulinoma usually indicates an examination Ultrasound abdomen to evaluate the pancreas.
Often the tumor can be as small as one “pinhead” can not be seen and the diagnosis becomes therapeutic and exclusion.
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
Not always the surgical removal of the insulinoma is possible and quite often not indicated. If the tumor is too large or if there is presence of matástases surgery becomes discouraged. In most cases, the tumor will grow back after surgery (usually within 8 months) and metastasize mainly to the liver.
Over 95% of the operated dogs will relapse in a short period of time.The use of oral drugs aims to increase glucose levels in the blood beyond the dietary management with carbohydrate restriction.
PROGNOSIS:
The prognosis for dogs with insulinoma is not good. Even if surgery is possible, the tumor can grow back and this usually happens in 8-12 months after the initial surgery. If surgery is not possible and the dog only get medication and diet management, it can have a survival rate of about 6 months.