Malignant metastatic insulinoma in a dog

ABSTRACT

Background: Insulinomas are tumors of the pancreatic islet beta cells that secreting insulin. They are malignant neoplasms and rarely seen in dogs. Because insulinomas secrete excessive insulin and hypoglycemia occur. The most common clinical symptoms are seizures, extreme weakness, and other neurological abnormalities. The tumors typically release insulin episodically, with clinical signs being seen intermittently as a result. These are most often associated with prolonged starvation or prolonged periods of exertion. Insulinoma occurs most often in middle-aged and older dogs, averaging nine years in age. They affect both sexes and are more likely in larger breeds. The most commonly afflicted breeds are German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Terriers. Case In this study, a case of malignant insulinoma with multiorgan metastasis in a 7-year-old hunting dog that brought to the clinic with complaints of constipation and inappetence were evaluated by clinical, cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Owner stated that the animal suffers from constipation for 4 days, but no vomitus or nervous symptoms were present. Clinical efforts not solved the constipation. For to the definitive diagnosis the dog decided to underwent laparotomy. After a midline abdominal approach multiple whitish, hard and irregular metastatic tumoral masses were[...]