| Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) Hypoglycemia is a disorder of the central nerves system caused by a drop in blood sugar. It occurs mostly in toy breeds, particularly in the tiniest of the toy breeds. However in can occur in other larger breeds as well. Hypoglycemia can occur without warning when; *A puppy goes to a new home or is separated from litter mates. *Under goes stress or travel *Misses a meal or does not eat full meals or doesn't get enough protein. *Becomes too Chilled * Is overtired, exhausted from too much playing or handling. * Is he/she has been ill with loose stools or vomiting Signs to look for are as follows; depression, lethargic, weakness, wobbly or jerky/shaky and head appears to be tilted to the left or right. More Severe signs are: Neck appears to be stiff or in a locked position (body may appear the same way), teeth maybe clinched tightly, Convulsion or seizures. All of this will result in death within a short period of time in not treated. If your puppy is this severe, bring puppy to a vet immediately after performing the treatment below ***** TREATMENT ****** The blood glucose level MUST BE RESTORED immediately!!! DO NOT HESITATE!! Don't wait or assume he or she will feel better later or he will eat more later. Your puppy's life is at stake! If your puppy is conscious rub some honey or corn syrup on his tongue and gums. If he is unconscious make sure it isn't enough to require swallowing. Do not put an excessive amount into the puppy's mouth because he is not coordinated enough to swallow properly and could aspirate it into the lungs, which would kill him for sure. The pup should begin to improve within 10 minutes. At this point give 3cc honey or syrup a little at a time. If pup is still showing signs of severe symptoms Do this on the way to your veterinarian or emergency clinic. The vet may still need to start an IV drip. ***** Prevention ****** Have food and water available 24 hours a day. Make sure your puppy is in an area where he or she does not have to go far to reach his or her food dish. Little ones can get discouraged on cold days or nights to go long distances to eat or drink because they will want to stay in their warm beds. The best bed I could recommend is a Child's playpen (do not leave a collar on your puppy when you confine him to a playpen/cage/petcrate) They can have their warm bed on one end their pee pad on the other and their food in another corner. Make sure you have observed your puppy eating 3 or 4 time per day. Don't just assume he has eaten. If he doesn't seem to be eating try a little jar of baby food chicken they most likely will not refuse this. If you are still having trouble purchase a tube of high calorie meal replacement sold in most pet stores. It is a good idea to always have on hand in case your puppy is having bad day and is a little under the weather. He may not feel like eating. It is also good when travelling long distances and your puppy shouldn't be travelling on a full stomach they may vomit from car sickness. Dogs and puppies usually love the taste and it has a natural appetite stimulant in it. It looks like a tube of toothpaste. You may also consider adding teaspoon of honey to his water every day. Be careful to much honey can cause diarrhea. In most cases I usually have a pretty good idea which pups tend to at higher risk of this and will advise you accordingly. I have rarely encountered this problem with my lines |