Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with seizures and low blood sugar caused by pancreatic tumor
By Hawks, D et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·1992·Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Insulin-secreting pancreatic (islet cell) carcinoma in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 17-year-old male Siamese cat was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor that was producing insulin, leading to seizures and confusion. The symptoms improved temporarily when the cat was fed or given glucose through an IV, which helped raise his blood sugar levels. After surgery to remove the tumor, the cat's blood sugar levels stabilized for a while, but unfortunately, he passed away 18 months later due to the cancer spreading to other parts of his body.
People also search for: cat seizures treatment · insulin-producing tumor in cats · Siamese cat cancer symptoms
Abstract
A functional, insulin-secreting pancreatic (islet cell) carcinoma was diagnosed in a 17-year-old male Siamese cat. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical signs (i.e., seizures and stupor) that resolved temporarily after correction of hypoglycemia with feeding or intravenous administration of glucose, the finding of an inappropriately increased serum insulin concentration in the face of hypoglycemia, and prolonged resolution of hypoglycemia after surgical removal of the tumor. Primary islet cell tumor of the pancreas was confirmed by biopsy. The cat died 18 months later, and necropsy revealed metastases to regional lymph nodes and liver. Specimens of the tumor and metastatic lesions both stained positively for insulin.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1320119/