Insulin‐Like Growth Factors and Recurrent Hypoglycemia Associated with Renal Cell Carcinoma in a Horse

Abstract

The case was examined at the Easter Bush Veterinary Hospital, The University of Edinburgh. A 520 kg, 6‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was referred for evaluation of acute onset profound depression, head pressing, and lack of response to external stimuli. The horse had a history of moderate weight loss over several months despite adequate nutrition and a good appetite. Previous episodes of weakness had been observed following administration of anthelmintics, namely, alternate doses of pyrantel and ivermectin, administered every 8 weeks. In an attempt to eliminate a possible parasitic cause of weight loss, over the 7 days prior to presentation, the referring veterinary surgeon treated the horse with a 5‐day course of fenbendazole a (7.5 mg/kg PO q24h) and moxidectin b (0.4 mg/kg PO), 2 days later. A 5‐day course of prednisolone c (1 mg/kg PO q24h) was initiated on the same day as the fenbendazole. This dose was then tapered to 0.5 mg/kg PO q24h, and was still being administered at the time of presentation.