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Treatment

Surgical removal of the neoplasm is the only method of cure. However, this may be risky as there is a high rate of post-operation death reported in dogs. Further, glucagonoma syndrome is associated with thromboembolic disease (in which a blood clot that has formed breaks free and moves through the blood stream to clot a blood vessel), which can occur postoperatively.

Hypoaminoacidemia, a condition associated with glucagonoma, in which an abnormally low concentration of amino acids is in the blood, may also occur concurrent with glucagonoma. A high-protein and egg white diet may help to deal with the effects of hypoaminoacidemia and thereby relieve related skin conditions. Zinc and fatty acid supplementation may also aid in relieving skin symptoms.

Medications, such as anti-yeast formulations or antibiotics, may be prescribed to treat secondary yeast or other infections that may develop in accordance with glucagonoma.

Living and Management

Following initial treatment, the patient’s blood work should be monitored regularly and follow-up ultrasounds should be performed to monitor for metastasis (in which the cell irregularity spreads to other parts of the body).