Treatment of insulinoma in dogs, cats and ferrets

Insulinoma, or functional beta-cell tumor, originates from the islet cells of the endocrine portion of the pancreas. Insulinoma has been described in dogs, cats, ferrets, and other mammalian species. Although insulinoma cells produce a variety of polypeptides, most patients with insulinoma are examined because of clinical signs related to hyperinsulinism. Insulinoma has been reported in dogs ranging from 31 2 to 15 years old but is most common in dogs 8 to 12 years old. Insulinoma is rare in cats; fi ve cats have been reported, ranging in age from 12 to 17 years. Insulinoma is common in domestic ferrets. The median age of ferrets with insulinoma has been reported to be 5 years, and the age range from 2 to 7 years. No sex predilection has been reported in dogs, but male ferrets seem to be affected more commonly than females. 

Click here to be directed to the study.