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Puppy Hypoglycemia: Low Blood Sugar
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Puppy Hypoglycemia: Low Blood Sugar
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
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Hypoglycemia simply means a low blood sugar. Glucose
is the form of sugar found within the bloodstream.
Glucose is formed during the digestion of foods and it can be
stored within the liver in a storage form called
lycogen. Most instances of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in
the puppy are the result of inadequate nutrition;
either not enough or poor quality (undigestible) food. Excessive exercise
may also cause the body to use up
more sugar than is available.
What are the symptoms?
A puppy with hypoglycemia will lack energy. Glucose (sugar) is
the fuel the body burns for energy; without it
the puppy is listless. In severe instances the puppy may even seizure
since glucose is necessary for the brain
tissue and muscles to function. These hypoglycemic episodes will cause
the puppy to fall over and appear
weak or comatose.
What are the risks?
The risks depend on the severity or extent of the lack of blood
sugar. If it is due to lack of food or excessive
exercise it can be easily corrected. If however, the underlying
cause is more serious, such as liver disease
preventing the storage of glucose as glycogen, or intestinal disease
preventing the proper digestion and/or
absorption of food, then hypoglycemia may be chronic and life threatening.
What is the management?
If a puppy is listless due to low blood sugar it is imperative
to immediately provide sugar. Karo syrup and honey
are excellent sugar sources and should be fed to the puppy. If the
puppy fails to respond to sugar, or the
hypoglycemic episodes are frequent, then a thorough exam by a veterinarian
is in order. It must be determined
if the low blood sugar is simply the result of inadequate nutrition
or a more severe underlying disease.
© 2004 Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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