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Insulinoma in Dogs: Hypoglycaemia Management and Welfare

Insulinoma is a pancreatic tumour causing dangerous hypoglycaemia in dogs. This guide covers recognition, welfare impacts, and management.

Key Facts

Insulinoma is a tumour of the beta cells of the pancreas producing excess insulin
It causes episodic hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) leading to weakness and seizures
Signs are often episodic: weakness, wobbliness, collapse, and seizures
Episodes are triggered by exercise, fasting, or excitement
Surgical removal is the preferred treatment when feasible
Medical management with prednisolone and diazoxide can stabilise hypoglycaemia

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred management of insulinoma requires addressing the immediate risk of hypoglycaemic crises and the long-term disease management. Emergency treatment of hypoglycaemic episodes involves glucose administration (corn syrup rubbed on gums, intravenous dextrose). Frequent small meals maintain blood glucose. Surgical removal of identifiable tumours improves quality of life. Medical management with prednisolone reduces insulin effects. Diazoxide inhibits insulin secretion.

What You Can Do

Feed small, frequent meals throughout the day to maintain blood glucose
Avoid strenuous exercise which can precipitate hypoglycaemic episodes
Keep glucose syrup or corn syrup available for emergency use at home
Seek surgical assessment — tumour removal provides the best welfare outcome