Introduction
When it comes to our dogs’ health, early detection of serious illnesses can make all the difference. For some breeds, new research suggests that a rare form of pancreatic cancer, called insulinoma, may be more of a threat than previously realized. Insulinoma is a tumor that affects insulin-producing cells, often leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels and sudden, severe symptoms.
A groundbreaking study using data from millions of UK dogs has identified specific breeds that face a much higher risk of developing insulinoma than others. Understanding these risks can empower pet owners to spot early warning signs and partner with their veterinarians for timely intervention—potentially improving outcomes for affected dogs.
Research Background
Until now, much of what veterinarians knew about insulinoma in dogs came from small studies or data collected at specialist referral centers. These sources were limited in scope and often biased toward more severe cases, making it difficult to pinpoint which dogs were truly most at risk in the general pet population.
This new research, published in Scientific Reports by Kraai and colleagues in January 2025, stands out for its scale and design. By harnessing the VetCompass database—one of the world’s largest repositories of real-world veterinary records—the study offers the most comprehensive look yet at breed, age, sex, and body size factors linked to insulinoma risk in dogs. These insights have important implications for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians alike.
Study Details
The researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study, meaning they looked back at existing medical records to identify patterns of disease.
Key study features:
- Sample size: Approximately 2.25 million dog records from over 1,500 UK primary care veterinary practices
- Study period: Calendar year 2019
- Cases identified: 2,219 confirmed cases of insulinoma
- Data source: VetCompass Programme, Royal Veterinary College
- Variables analyzed: Breed, sex, age, neuter status, body size, and weight
By comparing dogs diagnosed with insulinoma to the broader population, the researchers could assess which factors were most strongly linked to developing this rare cancer.
Key Findings
Primary Results
The study found that while insulinoma remains rare—affecting approximately 0.003% of dogs each year—certain breeds face dramatically higher odds of developing this condition compared to crossbred dogs. The breeds identified as highest risk were:
- Boxers
- West Highland White Terriers
- German Shorthaired Pointers
- Flat-Coated Retrievers
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Vizslas
For these breeds, the odds of developing insulinoma were between 4.5 and 9.5 times higher than for crossbreeds. This means that, while still uncommon, a Boxer or Westie is much more likely to be diagnosed with this cancer than a mixed-breed dog.
Secondary Findings
Beyond breed, the study revealed several other important risk factors:
- Sex and Neuter Status: Female dogs and those who were neutered had a higher risk of insulinoma.
- Age: Most cases occurred in dogs aged 9 to 15 years, placing middle-aged to senior pets at greatest risk.
- Body Size and Weight: Medium-sized dogs (20–30 kg), especially those who were overweight, were more frequently affected. Managing weight through science-based weight management dog food can be an important preventive measure for at-risk dogs.
Together, these findings suggest that not only genetics, but also factors like age, weight, and reproductive status can influence a dog’s vulnerability to this disease.
Implications for Pet Owners
What This Means for You
If you own one of the breeds identified as high-risk—or have a female, neutered, middle-aged to senior, medium-sized dog—it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of insulinoma. This tumor causes excessive insulin production, which can lead to episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms can be subtle or sudden and may include:
- Weakness or collapse
- Disorientation or confusion
- Trembling or muscle twitching
- Seizures
- Unexplained episodes of fainting
- Sudden changes in behavior
Prompt recognition of these symptoms is vital, as early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your dog’s quality of life and prognosis.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog—especially if they are one of the high-risk breeds or fit other risk categories—shows any of the above symptoms. Even if episodes seem brief or resolve on their own, they could indicate underlying hypoglycemia due to insulinoma or another serious condition. Your vet may recommend blood tests and further diagnostics to determine the cause. Keeping a detailed health journal can help you track symptoms and share accurate information with your veterinarian.
Regular wellness checks, especially as your dog enters their senior years, are also important. Discuss your pet’s breed-specific risks and any changes in their health or behavior with your veterinarian, who can guide appropriate screening and monitoring. For continuous health monitoring between vet visits, smart health tracking devices can provide valuable insights into your dog’s vital signs and activity patterns.
Study Limitations
As with all research, this study has some limitations. The analysis was based on UK veterinary records from 2019, so results may not fully apply to dog populations in other countries or to more recent years. Not all cases of insulinoma may have been diagnosed or recorded, which could lead to underestimating the true incidence. Additionally, while strong associations were found, the study cannot prove that the identified risk factors directly cause insulinoma—other genetic or environmental influences may play a role. Future research could help clarify these links and explore preventive strategies.
Bottom Line
This landmark study highlights that while insulinoma remains rare, certain breeds—including Boxers, West Highland White Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Vizslas—are much more likely to develop this serious pancreatic tumor. Female, neutered, middle-aged to senior, and overweight medium-sized dogs also face increased risk.
For pet owners, especially those with high-risk breeds, awareness and vigilance are key. Know the signs of hypoglycemia and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if your dog shows unusual symptoms. Early detection offers the best chance for effective treatment and a better outcome.
By working together with your veterinarian and staying informed about breed-related health risks, you can help your dog enjoy a longer, healthier life.
Recommended Products
Based on the research findings discussed in this article, we’ve carefully selected these top-rated products to help you manage the key risk factors identified in the study. These products are chosen for their quality, customer satisfaction, and alignment with the scientific evidence presented.
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight & Joint Support
Pet Health and Care Record Book
Tractive XL Smart Dog GPS Tracker with Health Monitoring
Zesty Paws Cardiovascular Support for Senior Dogs
Disclosure: We only recommend research-based products that support your pet’s health. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you—helping us fund our mission to provide cutting-edge research to all pet lovers.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.