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 glycogen. 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.
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