A 9 yr old spayed female boxer was presented for evaluation of vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss. Initial laboratory evaluation revealed a hyperchloremic normal anion gap metabolic acidosis with alkaline urine that was consistent with a diagnosis of distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). Targeted therapy was initiated with Na bicarbonate (HCO3) and potassium (K) gluconate. Leptospirosis was subsequently diagnosed with paired microagglutination testing (MAT), and doxycycline was added to the other treatments. Clinical signs resolved, and 6 mo after diagnosis, although the dog remained on alkali therapy (i.e., NaHCO3 and K gluconate) and a mild metabolic acidosis persisted, the dog remained otherwise healthy with a good quality of life. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe the concomitant association of those two disorders. Leptospirosis should be considered for any case of RTA in dogs.
CASE DESCRIPTION A 6-year-old castrated male Australian Shepherd was evaluated because of a recent onset of persistent hypoglycemia. CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination results were generally unremarkable. No abnormalities were detected on thoracic radiographs, and abdominal ultrasonography revealed no obvious pancreatic lesion. Hematologic analysis revealed hypoglycemia with a high serum insulin-to-glucose concentration ratio. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Insulinoma was suspected; medical treatment with prednisone was initiated, and exploratory laparotomy was performed. No pancreatic lesions or masses were observed. Partial left pancreatectomy and hepatic and local lymph node biopsies were performed. Histologic examination revealed islet cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia, with no evidence of neoplasia. Results of a PCR assay of the pancreatic tissue for Bartonella infection were negative. Clinical, biochemical, and histopathologic findings were compatible with nesidioblastosis. The clinical signs, including hypoglycemia, resolved after surgery. On follow-up examination 8 months later, the dog was apparently healthy and results of a CBC and serum biochemical analysis, including blood glucose concentration, were within respective reference ranges. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this is the first report of nesidioblastosis in a dog for which clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities resolved after partial pancreatectomy. Although extremely rare, nesidioblastosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in dogs with signs suggestive of insulinoma.
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