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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 20 weeks of age.
Stress is the leading cause.
The first signs are listlessness and depression. They 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 stress on the energy reserves of the liver and bring on the
symptoms.
TREATMENT Beginning at once! Treatment is directed
at restoring blood levels of glucose. Give the puppy some NUTRI-CAL off
the tip of your finger. If he is not swallowing place it under the tongue
to be absorbed so it will begin to bring him back to a conscious state so
that he will be able to swallow the rest. When he can swallow, give him a
mixture of karo syrup 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!!!. He may also need some antibiotics to combat secondary
infections that can arise from the lowered immune system that results
from the hypoglycemia.
If you do not have Nutri-Cal, honey or syrup can be used until you can
get some Nutri-Cal. The dose 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 biosyl to help him from getting diarrhea. The large
does of Nutri-Cal or syrup will probably cause some diarrhea to occur,
but it is usually self limiting.
Prevent re-occurring attacks by making sure the puppy eats at regular
intervals. He should have dry food and fresh water available at all times and should be fed canned food mixed
with a little water and hard food at least 2 times a day. A daily vitamin
should be given, (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. It
is important that they eat so find something they like and feed it to
them – McDonald’s hamburger, cooked chicken etc.
We do not guarantee against this condition but I will do all I can to
help – Please call me.
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