Re: [pyrnet]

[Christy <take_a_hike@earthlink.net>]

Has anyone had to deal with Insulinomas (tumors/cancer of the  
pancreas)  in their Pyr before?   My boy just celebrated his 6th  
birthday last December.  I took him in this past week for a hot spot  
that was getting out of control.   Usually I can heal them up without  
Veterinary treatment, but not this one.  Vet suggested a senior  
comprehensive panel just to make sure there were no underlying  
conditions.  He does have some other issues...  separation anxiety,  
intolerance to processed dog foods, very, very delicate system.  He  
can not handle anesthesia or even a mild sedative without scaring the  
daylights out of his vet and me.  The last time he was lightly  
sedated to repair a torn toenail (all the way into the quick)  he  
actually stopped breathing!  It took 2 days to finally get him  
stabilized.

The blood tests came back, dangerously low blood sugars.  So, a  
Insulin-glucose comparison was sent in.  All other tests came back  
normal..   but Glucose was sky rocketing and blood sugars were even  
lower after fasting... Pointing to Insolinomas.  This week an ultra  
sound will confirm this and see how big it is.  I guess my question  
is, has anyone had to go through this? Was surgery an option?  Did  
dietary/medication therapy have any benefits?  The outcome is not  
good regardless what options I exercise.

I'm not ready to throw in the towel until I have explored all  
options, weigh all the risks and look at the big picture in whole.   
His well being, comfort, and quality of life is my main concern  
here.  But darn!..   I ohh soo want to be selfish and try every  
possible heroic measure to keep my boy with me.  He is the 3rd Pyr  
I've had... they have such a huge presence and place in the hearts of  
their owners.. more so than any other dogs I've had.

Christy