9YR old toy poodle low blood glucose not eating

[Donna1952]

Three days ago we found our 9 yr old toy poodle limp and we rushed him to the hospital.  His glucose was 20 but the vet was able to get it back up with dextrose.  She wanted to perform a test to check for hypoadrenocorticism, but felt because he made improvements on his own with the fluids, it wasn't warranted.  Also she watched him the next day for glucose to fall again and it didn't.  He wasn't fed to see if it would fall.  We were to feed him when we got him home, but he seems to not have much of an appetite. His stools are very loose and he goes to the bathroom about every two hours night and day.  He has lost weight from 4.6 lbs. to 3.9 lbs.  We left him to board at the vets for 10 days and he always greives when we leave and they treat him very well there.  He did lose some weight, but he is just not picking up again.  She also mentioned the fact he may have a tumor on his pancreas and to try to get him to eat.  He is tired and not bright-eyed and lively like before.  What can we do for him?  Thanks very much.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Please have your vet perform the necessary diagnostics for Addison's disease, and for a pancreatic insulinoma.  The necessary tests include blood tests and X-rays and or ultrasound.

Addison's disease can be controlled with medications and when under control has a very good prognosis.

An insulinoma usually requires surgery, and prognosis is usually good if there is no metastasis.

[Donna1952]

Just wanted to thank you for your advice.  You were right on target.  The test showed positive for Addison's and we are awaiting the results for the insulinoma.  Our vet has started him on some prednesilone daily, stopped the vomitting and diarrhea and he is so much better.  I believe this problem has been going on for a long time and we were missing it at home.  The only thing I am concerned about is the urinary output is so much.  But he is drinking quite a bit more than usual. But again, thank you so much.