Accidental insulin-induced hypoglycemia in nondiabetic dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Diagnostic Pathology

Background:

• Insulin overdose diagnosis is challenging due to the limitations of single diagnostic tests.
• Iatrogenic insulin poisoning is a rare but serious condition, particularly in nondiabetic animals.
• Accidental parenteral administration during vaccination campaigns can lead to unexpected toxic events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented outbreak of accidental insulin-induced hypoglycemia in nondiabetic dogs.
• To investigate the diagnostic approach and findings in cases of suspected insulin poisoning.
• To evaluate the utility of specific diagnostic tools in veterinary forensic toxicology.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak following a vaccination campaign.
• Clinical assessment of affected dogs presenting with peracute signs.
• Postmortem examination, including histopathology of brain tissue.
• Laboratory analysis of blood serum (insulin radioimmunoassay) and vitreous humor (flame atomic emission photometry for potassium).

Main Results:

• Twenty dogs exhibited clinical signs consistent with severe hypoglycemia, including tremors and ataxia.
• Insulin was detected in blood serum samples from three dogs via radioimmunoassay.
• Vitreous humor analysis revealed low potassium levels, and histological examination showed neuronal necrosis.
• The combination of findings confirmed accidental insulin poisoning as the cause of death.

Conclusions:

• Accidental insulin-induced hypoglycemia is a significant diagnostic challenge in nondiabetic dogs.
• A multi-tool diagnostic approach combining clinical, epidemiological, histopathological, and laboratory data is essential.
• Flame atomic emission photometry for potassium offers a promising indicator for high circulating insulin levels in forensic veterinary investigations.