Unique Radiographic Appearance of Bone Marrow Metastasis of an Insulin-Secreting Beta-Cell Carcinoma in a Dog

A9-year-old, neutered male Border Collie—mix dog presented to the Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinics (LSU-VTH&C) for evaluation of chronic, intermittent vomiting of 6 months' duration. The episodes of vomiting, along with decreased appetite and lethargy, had occurred sporadically during these 6 months. One day before referral, episodes of acute collapse and weakness in the pelvic limbs were noticed. A CBC and serum biochemistry had been performed on several occasions during the previous 6 months by the referring veterinarian and each time, high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was found. An ACTH stimulation test also had been performed 8 weeks before referral and results were normal. On 2 separate occasions, therapeutic dietary trialsa, b and symptomatic treatment with metoclopramidec (0.5 mg/kg PO q8h) did not improve the clinical signs. In addition, the dog had lost 6 pounds of body weight over the 6-month period