Hypoglycemia:
(Low Blood Sugar)
A big word for
a BIG problem in tiny puppies.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) This is a disorder of the central
nervous system and is a direct response to the lack of adequate food.
"Dehydration" comes from lack of water. 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, or exhausted from to much
handling or playing. It occurs mostly in toy breeds, but it can also
occur in the larger breeds as well. Signs to look for are depression,
weakness, being wobbly or jerky, the head appears to be tilted to either
the left or right side, the neck appears stiff and in a locked position,
the body may soon appear the same way, and the teeth may be clamped
tightly together. Convulsions, seizures, or coma which can result in
death! Remember, this is only a puppy. Compare it to an infant child,
which requires extra care. You would not wake your baby up to show your
friends or neighbors. So do not wake your puppy up, as it needs rest
too. This is important to you puppy's health.
Treatment: Once a puppies sugar drops you must act fast! The blood
levels of glucose must be restored IMMEDIATELY ! DO NOT HESITATE, YOUR
PUPPY'S LIFE IS AT RISK. Treatment by oral administration of certain
glucose containing electrolyte fluids is very important. I use Nutri-Cal,
it gives quick results and gets into the bloodstream within seconds with
a 99% utilization rate. When given, the usual dose is about 1/4cc per
OUNCE of body weight. If you don't have that on hand, you may mix honey
or white Karo syrup with water and place on the puppies tongue with a
dropper or just place some on your finger and rub on the puppies gums.
Do not put excessive amounts in the puppy's mouth, as the puppy can
choke. If the puppy does not improve within (10) ten minutes, contact
your vet immediately!!! This is NOT something that can wait until the
vet opens the following morning! I always recommend if you ever
have any concerns, questions or worries don't hesitate to call your vet
even if the puppy is doing better. Once a puppy's sugar drops, it is
much more likely for him to have another episode. It can take weeks to
build back up afterwards. Make sure you baby is eating and drinking
OFTEN. The first stages baby food beef, turkey or
chicken can be fed. They think it’s "Tasty" or boil chicken and tear
into bits if he won’t eat anything else!
MAKE
SURE YOUR PUPPY EATS AT REGULAR TIMES TO KEEP HIS/HER SUGAR UP. THAT IS
THE BEST WAY TO TRY TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING.
