ABSTRACT
17 A five-year-old Weimaraner (17a) presents with episodic weakness and is diagnosed as having persistent hypoglycemia (serum glucose <2.2 mmol/l (<40 mg/dl)). This patient exhibits ‘Whipple’s triad’, and an insulin secreting tumor is suspected. i. What is ‘Whipple’s triad’? Why are determinations of serum concentrations of both insulin and glucose helpful in ruling out other sources of hypoglycemia and diagnosing hyperinsulinemia? ii. Describe surgery for an insulin secreting tumor. iii. What medical alternatives are available for the treatment of islet cell tumors?
