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.