HYPOGLYCEMIA
Hypoglycemia is the medical term used to describe
abnormally low levels of blood glucose. Blood glucose,
which is another term for blood sugar, is regulated by
insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by cells
that are called "beta cells", that is part of the
endocrine pancreas. Dogs that go into hypoglycemia
suffer from weakness, they can collapse, and/or go into
seizures. (This is in EXTREME cases.)
Some toy breeds, that suffer from hypoglycemia,
include, Pomeranians, Poodles, Maltese, Yorkies and
Chihuahuas. Hypoglycemia, can however, affect ANY
breed of dog.
It is imperative that owners of breeds of dog that are
susceptible to attacks be aware of some of the clinical
signs of the onset of an attack of hypoglycemia. These
signs can include the dog becoming noticeably
confused, disoriented, becomes drowsy at unusual
times, shivers, and/or staggers about. In an advanced
stage the dog collapses and goes into an unconscious
state. The entire sequence of clinical signs is not
always seen, so close observation of your pet and
knowing when your dog is going into a distressed state
can mean the difference between life and death of your
dog. Immediate treatment by a veterinarian is
imperative, as recurrence of, or prolonged attacks, can
cause permanent damage to the brain.
Usuallly, a dog will outgrow this condition since it
affects puppies 5 to 16 weeks of age, most commonly.
However, if the dog is high strung, or has a lot of
nervous energy, the dog will need to be watched
carefully. Some instances that precipitate an attack
might be: the puppy being placed in a new home, or
while being shipped. It may occur if a puppy misses a
meal, becomes chilled, or becomes exhausted from too
much play.
What can you do for your dog if you notice the early
signs of hypoglycemia? The best product to keep on
hand is Nutri-Cal, available from your
veterinarian.(You can also order this from
www.jefferspets.com and other pet supply sources.
Make sure your puppy licks at least an inch of this
supplement...in this case, MORE is BETTER! :-) If he
won't lick it, GENTLY open his mouth and put it on
the front of his tongue, a little, at a time, as he
swallows. Nutri-Cal MELTS quickly.
In an emergency, sugar water, corn syrup, or even
honey will work. A few licks is usually, all you need.
If your dog becomes unconscious, call your vet, and get
the dog to the vet immediately.
Hypoglycemia is the medical term used to describe
abnormally low levels of blood glucose. Blood glucose,
which is another term for blood sugar, is regulated by
insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by cells
that are called "beta cells", that is part of the
endocrine pancreas. Dogs that go into hypoglycemia
suffer from weakness, they can collapse, and/or go into
seizures. (This is in EXTREME cases.)
Some toy breeds, that suffer from hypoglycemia,
include, Pomeranians, Poodles, Maltese, Yorkies and
Chihuahuas. Hypoglycemia, can however, affect ANY
breed of dog.
It is imperative that owners of breeds of dog that are
susceptible to attacks be aware of some of the clinical
signs of the onset of an attack of hypoglycemia. These
signs can include the dog becoming noticeably
confused, disoriented, becomes drowsy at unusual
times, shivers, and/or staggers about. In an advanced
stage the dog collapses and goes into an unconscious
state. The entire sequence of clinical signs is not
always seen, so close observation of your pet and
knowing when your dog is going into a distressed state
can mean the difference between life and death of your
dog. Immediate treatment by a veterinarian is
imperative, as recurrence of, or prolonged attacks, can
cause permanent damage to the brain.
Usuallly, a dog will outgrow this condition since it
affects puppies 5 to 16 weeks of age, most commonly.
However, if the dog is high strung, or has a lot of
nervous energy, the dog will need to be watched
carefully. Some instances that precipitate an attack
might be: the puppy being placed in a new home, or
while being shipped. It may occur if a puppy misses a
meal, becomes chilled, or becomes exhausted from too
much play.
What can you do for your dog if you notice the early
signs of hypoglycemia? The best product to keep on
hand is Nutri-Cal, available from your
veterinarian.(You can also order this from
www.jefferspets.com and other pet supply sources.
Make sure your puppy licks at least an inch of this
supplement...in this case, MORE is BETTER! :-) If he
won't lick it, GENTLY open his mouth and put it on
the front of his tongue, a little, at a time, as he
swallows. Nutri-Cal MELTS quickly.
In an emergency, sugar water, corn syrup, or even
honey will work. A few licks is usually, all you need.
If your dog becomes unconscious, call your vet, and get
the dog to the vet immediately.
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