HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD SUGAR)


This is a central nervous system disorder caused by low blood sugar levels. It occurs mainly in toy breeds between 6 and 16 weeks of age.

*STRESS IS THE LEADING CAUSE*

The first signs are listlessness and depression. The are followed by muscular weakness, vomiting and/ or diarrhea, tremors (especially in the facial muscles), and later convulsions, coma, and probable death. The entire sequence of symptoms is not always seen. The dog may simply appear to be depressed or he may be weak, wobbly and jerky or he may be found stiff, unable to coordinate or in a coma.

Hypoglycemia can occur without warning when a puppy is placed in a new home. It might appear after a puppy misses a meal, chills, becomes exhausted from too much playing, or has a digestive problem. These problems cause an added strain on the energy reserves of the liver and bring on the symptoms.

TREATMENT; Begging at once! Treatment is directed at restoring blood levels of glucose. Give the puppy mouthful of NUTRI-CAL* or Caro Syrup. If he can not swallow it all at once, it will begin to absorb under the tongue to begin bringing him back to a conscious state so that he will be able to swallow the rest. When he can swallow, give him water (about 1 cc at a time so he does not choke). Continue to give him Nutri-Cal and water about every 10 min. Until he is conscious and moving about. CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY IF THE PUPPY DOES NOT RESPOND!!! The puppy will need sub-q injections of lactated ringers solution every 4 hours for about 2 days to restore it to a normal state. He may also need some antibiotics to combat secondary infections that can arise from the lowered immune system that results from the hypoglycemia.

*Nutri-Cal is high calorie supplement. It will helps the puppy's blood sugar level and energy. You can buy at pets shop or any vets office.

If you do not have Nutri-Cal, honey or Caro syrup can be used until you can get some Nutri-Cal. The does is 1 cc every 10 min till recovered. A soon as the puppy begins to recover, give him some canned food (we recommend Science Diet A/D canned) and try to get him to eat. You will also need to begin some pepto or bisol to help him from getting bad diarrhea. The large does of Nutri-Cal or Caro syrup will probably cause some diarrhea to occur, but it is usually self limiting.

Prevent recurrent attacks by making sure the puppy eats at regular intervales. He should have dry food and fresh water available at all the time and should be fed canned food at least 2 times a day. A daily vitamin should be giving, (Nutri-Cal 1 cc 2 or 3 time a day) also cottage cheese or yogurt can be added to the diet.

Owners of toy puppies should not allow them to become overtired or chilled. Play time should be limited and controlled to prevent undue stress and tiring. Hypoglycemia must be offset by frequent feedings. A puppy who does not eat frequently, for whatever reason, is heading for trouble.