Hypoglycemia
(low Blood Sugar)
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This is a central nervous system disorder caused by blood sugar. It
occurs mainly in toy breeds between six and twelve weeks of age.
Often it is precipitated by stress.
The first signs are listlessness and depression. They are followed
by muscular weakness, vomiting or diarrhea, 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 he 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 puppy
misses a meal, chills, becomes exhausted from too much playing, or
has a digestive upset. These upsets place an added strain on the
energy reserves of the liver and bring on symptoms, if the dog is
susceptible.
Treatment: Treatment is directed at restoring blood levels of
glucose. Begin at once. Give the puppy Karo syrup, honey or sugar
in the water by mouth. The puppy should improve within 30 minutes.