Insulinoma risk and breeds affected in UK dogs under vet care

Abstract

Insulinoma is the most common pancreatic tumor diagnosed in dogs. This study aimed to report incidence risk, breed predispositions and other demographic risk factors for insulinoma diagnosed in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. The VetCompass Program supports research on anonymized electronic health records (EHRs) from dogs under UK veterinary care. This study included all VetCompass EHRs from dogs under primary veterinary care during 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate demographic risk factors for insulinoma diagnosis. Of 2,250,741 study dogs, 278 were confirmed as insulinoma cases at any date. The estimated 2019 incidence risk was 0.003% (95% CI 0.002-0.004%). Compared to crossbreeds, predisposed breeds included Dogue de Bordeaux, German Pointer, Flat Coated Retriever, Boxer and West Highland White Terrier. The Labrador Retriever showed decreased odds for insulinoma diagnosis. Additionally, being a terrier breed and being a breed predisposed to other endocrine cancers were associated with increased odds for insulinoma diagnosis. Other risk factors associated with increased odds for insulinoma diagnosis included being female neutered, being 9 - <15 years of age, having an adult median bodyweight of 20 - <30&#xa0;kg and having a bodyweight above the median for the sex/breed. This is the first study to report the epidemiology of canine insulinoma in dogs under primary veterinary care, resulting in crucial leads for further research in the epidemiology and etiology of canine insulinoma and possible links of canine insulinoma with other canine endocrine cancers. Additionally, the results can aid veterinarians to identify dogs at greater risk of insulinoma.