HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD SUGAR)
Hypoglycemia is a condition which occurs in humans and some animals when their blood sugar, or glucose, level falls below normal. Glucose is a form of sugar which is such an important fuel for the body, and especially the brain, that a deficiency can cause serious health problems. The main dietary sources of glucose are carbohydrate-rich foods such as grains, starchy vegetables, dairy products, fruits, and sweets.
It occurs mostly in toy breeds but it can also occur in the larger breeds as well. Hypoglycemia can occur without warning when a puppy goes to a new home, misses a meal or doesn't eat full meals, becomes chilled, overtired, an increase in physical exercise activity without a corresponding increase in food intake; improper diet or feeding schedule, or exhausted from too much handling or playing.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia (in increasing order of severity)
* Fatigue, Weakness, Listlessness
* Nervousness, Trembling, Shakiness
* Confusion, Dizziness
* Rapid Heart Rate, Palpitations
* White Gums
* Rolling Eyes
* Fainting
* Convulsion or Seizure (spasms, locking jaws, rigid muscles)
* Breathing Stops
Treatment for Hypoglycemia
Immediately feed them a few teaspoons full of something that contains some form of sugar (pancake syrup, honey, cake icing) in order to raise the blood glucose level. (Force feed if necessary--worry about the mess later.) We recommend Nutri-CalTM/Nutri-StatTM, a high calorie food supplement gel containing molasses, protein, fat and several essential vitamins, complex carbohydrates, amino acids and omega fatty acids. If Nutri-Cal is unavailable, honey is a good substitute. Hydration is also very important--make sure that they drink some fluids.
If the dog won't take the food willingly (or consciously), put some mashed food on your finger and rub it on the roof of their mouth and on their tongue. Then, if necessary, insert a syringe (without needle) of water into their mouth and gently squeeze the water in for them to drink and wash down the food. Be careful not to force too much at a time, or they could choke. Once something is ingested, you should see a quick improvement and lessening of symptoms--if not, get immediate emergency attention from a Veterinarian. Even if you decide to go to the Vet from the beginning, try to get something into them to raise their blood sugar levels while on the way to the Vet because time is critical.
Prevention of Hypoglycemia
At regular intervals, feed small meals containing complex carbohydrates (rice, yogurt, etc.), as well as the usual fiber, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Give a daily nutritional supplement that will maintain glucose levels, such as the recommended Nutri-CalTM/Nutri-StatTM high calorie supplement. Avoid skipping meals. Balance extra exercise activity with extra food.
After a puppy has experienced Hypoglycemia, I always monitor them 24 hours a day. I will scramble eggs with cheese, give yogurt, Gerber Meat Sticks, any food that I feel they will eat - they get.
YOUR PUPPY NEEDS YOUR TENDER LOVING CARE, AND IN RETURN YOUR PUPPY WILL GIVE YOU A LIFETIME OF LOVE.
