HYPOGLYCEMIA –
Hypoglycemia is a common problem in small breed dogs. Hypoglycemia is a
common ailment in toy breed. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. The pancreas
makes the hormone insulin, when there is too much insulin the body can develop
hypoglycemia. Small breed dogs can develop hypoglycemia even when they
are healthy because they don't have the fat stores to use for energy, and their
liver can not produce enough sugar to use as energy.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include but are not limited to: depressed, weak, slow heartbeat
and breathing, weak, sleepy, disoriented, wobbly, and glassy eyed, and
seizures. In some cases pets may lose consciousness and fall into a coma. Pets
can die from hypoglycemia if they do not receive treatment.
Your veterinarian can diagnose hypoglycemia with a quick blood test that
checks your pet’s blood glucose or blood sugar.
Treatment for Hypoglycemia
If you notice your pet is acting wobbly or weak try giving some treats or
canned food, anything you know your pet will eat. If your pet won't eat, try
giving it some Nutri-stat, sugar, or Karo syrup. Rub the syrup on the gums and under the tongue
if your pet is unconscious. If your pet is not unconscious and can swallow you
can give the sugar with a needleless syringe. If your pet’s blood sugar drops
it may also begin to suffer with hypothermia, so you'll need to help keep your
pet warm. After giving initial first aid get your pet to your veterinarian
immediately.
Staying consistent with a feeding and exercise schedule will help avoid
the dangers of hypoglycemia. If you are worried about your pet’s blood sugar
levels, call your veterinarian.
Additional information: If you own a toy breed dog you should feed at least
3 small meals a day to help avoid hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is very
dangerous and can kill a dog if left without treatment.
PREVENTION
All this can be avoided by making sure your puppy eats
correctly. I will give you instructions
on how to feed. Do not keep your puppy
from food for more than an hour. Do not let children take pup out and play for
hours this uses stored energy and burns calories. If the pups is out of its area for hours it
is more than likely not near food. Limit
holding and playing until puppy is older.
Keep temperatures comfortable and life for your pup stress free.