HYPOGLYCEMIA<= o:p>

HYPOGLYCEMIA

(Low Blood Sugar)

This is a central ner= vous system disorder caused by low blood sugar. It occurs mainly in toy breeds between 6-12 weeks of age. Often it is precipitated by stress.

The first signs are t= hose of listlessness and depression. They = are followed by muscular weakness, tremors, (especially in the facial muscles) = and later convulsions, coma and death. The entire sequence is not always seen. The dog may simply appear to be depressed or he may be weak, wobbly and jerky or may be found in a coma.

Hypoglycemia can occur without warning when a puppy is placed in a new home, or while being shipped. It might appear after a p= uppy misses a meal, chills, becomes exhausted after too much playing, or has a digestive upset. The upsets place = and added strain on the energy reserves of the liver and bring on the symptoms.=

Puppies who are weane= d on rice and hamburger are more likely to develop hypoglycemia. Their diet is deficient in certain ingredients needed to sustain the liver.

TREATMENT:

Treatment = is directed in restoring blood levels of glucose. Begin at once. Prolong or repeated attacks can cause permanent damage to the brain. If the puppy is awake give the puppy karo syrup or honey by the mouth. The puppy will begin to improve within = 30 minutes or less. If the puppy is unconscious it will have to be taken to the vet immediately to be given Dextrose intravenously. It may be necessary to treat for swelling of the brain. I recommend keeping Nutri-Stat on hand t= he first couple of weeks after the puppy arrive at its new home. You can find this at any pet store. Giving the puppy N= utri-Stat everyday until the puppy is comfortable with its new surroundings should prevent the puppy from going into a sugar low shock.

Prevent recurring att= acks by feeding high quality kibble diet, such as dry puppy Science Diet Small Bites mixed with karo or honey or just the food and g= ive the puppy a little Nutri-Stat 3-4 times a day.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> SEE THAT THE PUPPY EATS AND DRINKS REGULARLY. DON’T ASSUME THE PUPPY ATE…. KNOW IT!!!!!!!!!!

Owner of toy puppies = should not over tire the puppy or allow them to chill.