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Insulinomas are malignant tumors that for unknown reasons form on the pancreas. Often hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and symptoms of this (seizures, weakness) are the first signs there is a problem. It is most often diagnosed in middle aged dogs, of any breed or sex. Cats rarely have insulinomas.

Blood tests alone can fairly accurately diagnose an insulinoma. What you would look for on bloodwork is normal to high insulin levels that occur while there is a low blood sugar level. If there were no insulinoma, then hypoglycemia was due to something else instead, and insulin levels would also be low on blood results.

Often an abdominal ultrasound is suggested when an insulin is diagnosed. Insulinomas are usually too tiny to see on a radiograph, and difficult to spot on ultrasound, though sometimes they can be seen. The ultrasound, however, can help view surrounding lymph nodes as well as the liver, which are common places for an insulinoma to spread. The chest cavity may also be a place for metastasis, and that is best determined by thoracic x-ray. Knowing if metastasis has occurred is the strongest factor in determining quantity of life that is left.

Insulinomas can sometimes be treated by removing the tumor, along with medications once symptoms return. Otherwise, prednisone (steroid) is indeed the way to go, often along with other medications like Diazoxide and Somatostatin. Diet changes are often implemented to help combat hypoglycemia. Restricted exercise in active dogs is also recommended.

Sometimes, upon surgery it is determined surgical removal is not possible. Then, medical management alone takes place.

Survival time is generally about a year when surgery and treatment are given. Otherwise, it is dependent on how quickly this was diagnosed, how far along symptoms are and what spreading has occurred. Chemotherapy has shown no real promise in fighting this malignancy.

Christine, LVT