Companion Animals

Insulinoma in Dogs: Welfare and Medical Management

Managing insulin-secreting pancreatic tumours in dogs to stabilise blood sugar and protect welfare.

Key Facts

Insulinomas are functional tumours of pancreatic beta cells
Cause hypoglycaemia — clinical signs include trembling, collapse, and seizures
Surgical removal is the first-line treatment when possible
Medical management with corticosteroids and diazoxide extends quality life when surgery is not possible

Welfare Considerations

Insulinomas cause severe episodic welfare compromise through hypoglycaemic crises — trembling, weakness, collapse, and seizures. Welfare-focused management identifies the condition early through investigation of hypoglycaemic episodes, pursues surgery when feasible, and manages medically when not. Frequent small meals and exercise restriction reduce crisis frequency. Prognosis varies — welfare quality of life can be maintained for months to years.

What You Can Do

Seek investigation of any dog with episodic trembling, weakness, or apparent seizures
Feed frequent small high-protein meals to dogs on medical management
Carry sugar solution and know how to provide emergency glucose in a hypoglycaemic crisis