4/4 Bad news, Bubby has insulinoma

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LisaStew

LisaStew

Member Since 2016
Well we finally got the results back on Bubbys paired insulin blood test and it suggests that his low blood sugar for this past month after going into remission is caused by a tumor called an insulinoma. We are crushed as even if they can successfully find and remove the tumor it will come back in average time 1 year. This is quite rare in dogs and extremely rare in cats. The vet suggests a ct scan with dye to confirm and see if it's operable. We have started prednisone to help raise the blood sugar. I still haven't decided how to proceed.

The drive to the veterinary hospital causes him so much stress that he usually gets symptoms of cystitis and just sleeps and looks miserable for 2 weeks after every visit. There is not much info on how cats respond to chemo for this tumor. I'm just not sure I want to put him through all that or try some homeopathic meds to try and make his last months the happiest and most comfortable I can.

If anyone knows of someone who's cat has had this kind of tumor I would greatly appreciate any info they might be able to share.
 
LisaStew said:
Well we finally got the results back on Bubbys paired insulin blood test and it suggests that his low blood sugar for this past month after going into remission is caused by a tumor called an insulinoma. We are crushed as even if they can successfully find and remove the tumor it will come back in average time 1 year. This is quite rare in dogs and extremely rare in cats. The vet suggests a ct scan with dye to confirm and see if it's operable. We have started prednisone to help raise the blood sugar. I still haven't decided how to proceed.

The drive to the veterinary hospital causes him so much stress that he usually gets symptoms of cystitis and just sleeps and looks miserable for 2 weeks after every visit. There is not much info on how cats respond to chemo for this tumor. I'm just not sure I want to put him through all that or try some homeopathic meds to try and make his last months the happiest and most comfortable I can.

If anyone knows of someone who's cat has had this kind of tumor I would greatly appreciate any info they might be able to share.
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No info to share. Sorry and so very sorry about the diagnosis. But hoping and praying you find some answers to help you at this time. Hugs to you!
 
So sorry to hear about Bubby's tumor. I hope it will not turn out to be what the vet thinks it is. Sending Bubby strong vines that it will be operable. Sending vines of strength to you.
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I am sorry about the diagnoses. I did some research on my local pet cancer support group but that cancer did not come up in their list. It is a good site for what the cancer is and treatment options.

Sending vines to you and Bubby.

:bighug::bighug:
 
(((Lisa))) I am sorry about the diagnosis. I am hoping all the best for Bubby's treatment.:bighug::bighug::bighug:

Depending on what type of chemo drug and how it's given, you may be able to give it at home. I give my civie Leukeran pills every couple of weeks and just have to be careful by wearing gloves to dispense it.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
(((Lisa))) I am sorry about the diagnosis. I am hoping all the best for Bubby's treatment.:bighug::bighug::bighug:

Depending on what type of chemo drug and how it's given, you may be able to give it at home. I give my civie Leukeran pills every couple of weeks and just have to be careful by wearing gloves to dispense it.
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The chemo drug she wants to use is Palladia. The problem is that there isn't much info as to how cats are effected by this drug (only dogs) since insulinomas are so rare in cats. The vet said we could give the chemo at home with monthly checkups that could probably be done at the local vet. Does your civie experience any side effects from the chemo like people do?
 
Leukeran is a pretty mild chemo drug. But I give cive Theo some ondansetron (chemo drug for nausea) a couple hours before the chemo and some the next day. I give him just a small dose of onda, but ECID. Chemo wasn't impacting his appetite, but he was rather quiet for a day after until I started the ondansetron. Now he barely notices chemo. Neko on the other hand, also took Leukeran - but she had a lot of other things going on. The same size dose impacted her appetite for four days after she got her chemo. Fortunately the dose was every two weeks so we had some decent time in between. I also gave her a larger dose of ondansetron cause she needed it. A different chemo drug may have different side effects. And yes the monthly checkups are mostly to get bloodwork/CBC, to make sure the red blood cells aren't being impacted.

From Googling, it looks like insulinomas is pancreatic cancer? We've seen a few cats here with that. @Gussie's mom is one of the more recent but she didn't give chemo. You might also want to post on the Feline Health forum to see if anyone there has experience with it.
 
{{{Lisa}}}

I am so sorry about the diagnosis. I know it is so hard to figure out what the best choice is in these situations. Just take some deep breaths and give yourself time to think. I always tried to take quality of life into consideration, and because I love and trust my vet, I usually asked her "what would you do if this were your cat?". She never steered me wrong. Whatever you decide to do, I know it will be with Bubby's best interests at heart. You know you have our full support.

Sending vines and :bighug:s.
 
Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I've heard of a few board kitties with suspected insulinoma, but not sure if they were ever confirmed cases. DebH's Xuxu as one. Nikki_Renee's Nemo another. I don't think either of them has been on the board for awhile, but you could try sending them private messages in case they may be able to help.

If you're interested in reading more about insulinomas, Dr. Mark E. Peterson , a world renowned endocrinologist with a clinic here in New York, wrote the following series of articles on insulinomas on his blog:
The articles are dated 2013, so advances have probably been made since then. Given Dr. Peterson's level of expertise and the rareness of insulinomas seen in cats, you (along with your vet) might be interested in setting up a consultation:

New York City
Animal Endocrine Clinic
21 West 100th Street
New York, New York 10025
Phone: (212) 362-2650
Fax: (212) 537-6340

Westchester
Animal Endocrine Clinic
29 Haines Road
Bedford Hills, New York 10507
Phone: (914) 864-1631
Fax: (914) 864-1632

NOTE: Dr. Peterson cannot dispense medical advice without physically examining the patient or consulting with both you and your regular veterinarian.


However you proceed, I'm sure it will be right for Bubby...

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about Bubby's diagnosis. Sending prayers and healing vines that it is operable and treatable with a minimum of distress for both Bubby and you. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Lisa I am so very sorry and I so hope that there is treatment available for this condition. I have no knowledge about it. Sending you lots of vines :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
:bighug:I dont really have any words of advice, I know the devastation you are in the midst of only too well....I agree, if you trust your vet I would ask him point blank whatever your questions are..mine was very honest about what Gussie faced given his ultrasound results...ultimately I let Gussie call the shots, that was what worked for us..hoping you find your path thru this...I am so very, very, very sorry..
Sending tons and tons of gentle vines your way:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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