Symptoms:
Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar
is a condition in which there is a drastic, sudden drop in the level
of blood sugar in the puppy. It is a puppy disease most often in
seen in toy breed puppies and usually not seen in puppies over twelve
weeks of age. It is most likely caused by the uneven spurts in growth
of the internal organs of the puppy, especially the pancreas. The
brain will receive incorrect signals from the pancreas and not send
out a correct signal for the release of a proper amount of sugar
in the bloodstream. Signs of an attack are a weakness, confusion,
wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth - sometimes even
a seizure and drain of blood from the head. A check of the gums will
show them to be pale, almost a grayish white in color rather than
a healthy bright pink. The puppy can go into shock and, if not cared
for properly and promptly, may even die.
Causes
Hypoglycemia can be an inherited condition. If a
female has been hypoglycemic, it's likely that she will pass it on
to her puppies. For the young pup prone to this condition, even a
brief period of fasting in a toy breed puppy can trigger a hypoglycemic "attack",
Any significant stress, such as a routine trip to the vet's, that
occurs in the absence of a recent meal, can cause the blood sugar
to drop to dangerously low levels. Low environmental temperatures,
infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise, and inadequate nutrition
increase the risk even further.
Treatment
Feeding recommendations for puppies at risk
for hypoglycemia include: frequent (4-5 times a day) feedings of
high-carbohydrate, high -protein and/or -fat foods. Feeding soft
moist foods may help to prevent a hypoglycemia attack due to the
high sugar content. Gatorade mixed with a little honey, Ringers
lactate with dextrose or Pedialyte are good products to use if
dog is having an attack. These products have electrolytes, which
ailing puppies need. Honey and corn syrup can be used also. For
pups who have had recurrent or prolonged signs, monitoring the
urine for ketones with a "dipstick" made for diabetics is helpful,
since a return to "ketone negative status" signals a return to
normalcy. If these measures don't correct the problem, a trip to
the vet is recommended. Intravenous feedings may be necessary and
the vet will need to check the puppy for more serious problems.
