Alternative Cures for Canine Insulinomas

Often our dogs are members of our family that we can turn to with affectionate consolation when people get us down. It is traumatic to loose them, and especially to see them suffer. Canine insulinomas are a cancerous condition that affects dogs. Their pancreases produces insulin and, when not working right, cause blood sugar levels to decrease. Insulinomas are tumors in the insulin-producing part of the pancreas. They cause insulin production to increase and low blood sugar levels to result. Surgery is an option, but is not the only method of treatment. Alternative ways can treat your dog if it suffers from canine insulinomas.

  1. Dietary Changes

    • Diet is perhaps the most effective alternative treatment to surgery. Regulating the types of food dogs eat can lower insulin, which is a culprit in the progression of canine insulinomas. The best diet includes high amounts of fat, protein and complex carbohydrates. Small meals spaced throughout the day help too. It is also best to avoid excessive exercises for you dog, and canned dog food is not recommended. Canned food contains too much sugar, which will promote insulin production.

    Pednisone

    • Diet changes sometimes do not work. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid that is administered at a dosage of .12mg per pound of the dog's body weight. The dose is given twice a day and often helps to prevent excessive insulin reactions of canine inulinomas. The drawback to prednisone is that dogs may react negatively to it. Excessive urination, appetite, panting and even hair loss can result.

    Diazoxide

    • Diazoxide is a choice when prednisone does not work. It works to stop the production of insulin within dog's bodies. It also has an effect on the liver by stimulating the liver to make glucose. Blood sugar rises and makes a dog suffering symptoms feel much better. Diazoxide, however, is expensive, and is difficult to procure.

    Drug Combinations

    • Drug combinations often include an addition to prednisone and diazoxide. Somatostatin is a hormone made by the pancreas that can be an alternative treatment. It stops the production of malignant cells and insulin in the pancreas. It must be given as an injection by the owner. Other drug combinations include streptozotocin, alloxan, and adriamycin, which work in similar ways by destroying malignant cells. If all alternative treatments fail, there is also the option of chemotherapy, but it can be painful for the dog and pain for you to watch.