The course of the insulinoma

Abstract

"Candy", a seven year old female spayed beagle mix, presented to Cornell's Companion Animal Hospital's Emergency Service on 4/2/05 with a chief complaint of seizures. Candy was depressed and minimally responsive at initial presentation, which was two hours after receiving valium from her referring veterinarian. Differentials diagnosis included cerebral neoplasia, hepatic dysfunction, toxicity or other causes of seizures in a seven year old canine. Serum chemistry revealed hypoglycemia 40mg/dl (60-120mg/dl) and hyperinsulinemia 45.21 ulU/ml (5-25ulU/ml). These findings are consistent with an insulin secreting tumor. Candy was taken to surgery for removal of the insulin secreting tumor and metastasis. She recovered well from surgery. Candy was supplemented with intravenous dextrose and slowly wean off prior to her discharge from the hospital with normal glucose levels. She was sent home with continuing medical therapy, which included Prednisone tablets at 7.5mg twice daily to stimulate gluconeogenesis and provide insulin resistance.