Insulin Secreting Neoplasms

Islet cell tumour (Image sourced from Bristol Biomed Image Archive with permission)

• Adenomas and carcinomas deerived from beta cells
• Respond rapidly to iv glucose
• Can be identified by immunocytochemical means
• Dogs 5-12 years of age most commonly affected
• Older cattle, associated with periodic convulsions

Clinical signs

• Hyperinsulinism
• Hypoglycaemia - often episodic
  • Neurologic signs - stupor, confusion, coma, seizures, peripheral neuropathy may also develop