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.
