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.
© 2001 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
|
