Outcome of surgical versus medical treatment of dogs with beta cell neoplasia: 39 cases (1990-1997)

Objective-To compare outcome of surgical versus medical treatment of dogs w ith beta cell neoplasia. Design-Retrospective study. Animals-39 dogs with clinical signs of hypoglycemia and serum glucose and i nsulin concentrations consistent with a diagnosis of beta cell neoplasia. Procedure-Information on signalment; clinical history; physical examination findings; results of CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and urinalysis; seru m glucose and insulin concentrations; results of thoracic radiography and a bdominal ultrasonography; treatment and treatment complications; survival t ime; and cause of death were obtained from medical records. Results-26 dogs underwent exploratory celiotomy and partial pancreatectomy; 13 dogs were treated medically tie, dietary change and prednisone). Median survival time was significantly longer for dogs treated surgically than fo r dogs treated medically. Significant differences were not found in mean ag e, body weight, duration of clinical signs prior to diagnosis, serum glucos e and insulin concentration, or results of other serum biochemical tests be tween dogs treated surgically and dogs treated medically; also, there was n o significant correlation between any of these parameters and survival time for either group of dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggest that exploratory celioto my and partial pancreatectomy are indicated once a tentative diagnosis of b eta cell neoplasia is established in dogs.