Partial pancreatectomy and en bloc excision of thrombosed vessels in a dog with insulinoma of the right limb of the pancreas

Abstract

A 7‐year‐old, neutered golden retriever was evaluated for acute episodes of weakness, ataxia and disorientation, low blood glucose and inappropriately high insulin levels. Results of computed tomography revealed irregular enlargement of the distal tip of the right pancreas associated with thrombosis of the pancreaticoduodenal and first jejunal vein. A partial pancreatectomy with en bloc excision of the thrombosed vessels was performed. The distal duodenum and proximal jejunum maintained normal peristalsis and remained viable, obviating the need for concurrent intestinal resection and anastomosis. Histopathology confirmed a completely excised insulinoma with an associated tumour thrombus (vascular invasion of tumour). The dog remains alive with no evidence of recurrence 18 months after surgery.