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.
CONTACT:
Terrie Canada
Angel-Lite Maltese
Attalla, Al 35954-7273
Email: TeraC99@aol.com
Ph: 256-538-7408
Updated July 23, 2006