Risk factors for gastrointestinal upset and evaluation of outcome following surgical resection of canine pancreatic β-cell tumors.

The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for vomiting and inappetence and evaluate long-term outcome after surgical treatment of pancreatic β-cell tumors in dogs. Records of 33 dogs that underwent surgery for such tumors were retrospectively evaluated. Inappetence and vomiting occurred in 27.3% and 24.2% of dogs, respectively. Risk factors for postoperative vomiting were longer duration of clinical signs before surgery, higher preoperative total protein concentration, and lack of liver metastasis. No significant risk factors for inappetence or survival were identified. Median survival time was 723 days. Dogs with a longer duration of clinical signs before surgery may have had greater pancreatic involvement or more pronounced systemic perturbations. Higher preoperative total protein concentration may reflect preoperative dehydration or inflammation. Significance of lack of liver metastasis is unknown. The long survival time indicates a good overall prognosis with surgical treatment, justifying surgical intervention in patients with advanced disease.