HYPOGLYCEMIA, TEACUP, TINY TOY, TOY, AND STANDARD POODLES

WHAT IS IT?

Hypoglycemia is a sudden fall in the concentration of glucose in the blood below normal levels. The body uses glucose as its primary energy source. The brain, for example, is completely dependent upon glucose to function. The liver is responsible for manufacturing glucose and for storing it in a usable form, for release into the blood stream as needed. Muscle tissues store some of the important materials used in this process.

Hypoglycemia is common in Toy dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian and other Toy dog breeds, and usually seen in puppies 5 to 16 weeks of age. Stress and many other conditions may precipitate the onset of hypoglycemia. Some puppies, bred exclusively for tiny size (the teacup breeds), are even more predisposed to Hypoglycemia since insufficient muscle mass may make it difficult for the body to store the glucose and keep its blood sugar properly regulated.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

lethargy (lack of energy)

weakness

head tilting

"drunkedness" - wobbling when walking, unbalanced

hunger

restlessness

shivering

ataxia - usually lack of muscular coordination, but maybe changes in head and neck movements

disorientation

stupor

convulsions or seizures

coma

HOW DO I TREAT HYPOGLYCEMIA?

First of all your goal is to stay calm, bring the blood glucose back to a safe level, continue to observe your pet, and contact your veterinarian .

If your pet is acting strangely, you should assume it is due to hypoglycemia and treat it accordingly. This is a situation where it is better to be safe than sorry. If your pet is not hypoglycemic, your treatment may have raised the blood glucose for a few hours. But if your pet is hypoglycemic, you have just saved its life.

These are the general guidelines for treating hypoglycemia:

MILD HYPOGLYCEMIA: If your pet's blood glucose is only slightly low or if it is showing only mild signs of hypoglycemia, you can often treat it by immediately feeding the pet some of its regular food. The blood glucose raising effects of the food may be enough to counteract the hypoglycemia. If your pet refuses its regular food, try offering a food it really enjoys or some treats. Your main concern is to get the blood glucose up and to eliminate the signs of hypoglycemia. You need to observe your pet for several hours to make sure the hypoglycemia does not happen again.

MODERATE HYPOGLYCEMIA: Nutri-Cal should be given (Corn syrup may be used as well, call your veterinarian for proper dosage for your pet), either alone, or combined with food. Dogs and puppies will probably just lick the Nutri-Cal right off of your finger. 1 ½ to 3 tsp. per 10 lbs of body weight. You need to observe your pet for several hours to make sure the hypoglycemia does not happen again.

The blood glucose raising effects will last only for a short time. If the insulin is long lasting or if the hypoglycemia is severe, the effects will wear off and the hypoglycemia may come back. Continue observing your pet, and treat as needed.

SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIA: If your pet is severely hypoglycemic, especially if it is having seizures or unconscious, you must give Nutri-Cal (or Corn Syrup) immediately. Carefully rub on the cheeks and gums. Do not put a lot of liquid in the pet's mouth, and be sure the pet does not choke. Do not stick your fingers inside the teeth of a seizuring pet - you may get bitten. Then, Call the vet. If you can not contact your vet, call any vet - and get additional instructions. Your pet will probably have to go to the vet immediately.

FOLLOW UP!!!!! Whenever a pet has a hypoglycemic attack, you should contact your veterinarian. Future doses of insulin should be reduced until a proper insulin dose adjustment can be made. Making the proper adjustment will probably be based on the results of a blood glucose curve.

HOME CARE AND PREVENTION

Provide a warm environment, frequent feedings, routine vaccinations and de-worming procedures for puppies as recommended by your veterinarian. Provide frequent, regular feedings. Young puppies should be fed at least 3 to 4 times a day. Please be sure that your puppy is eating, don’t just assume it is!!! Also, please remember that if your pet is a puppy he/she is just a baby and sufficient rest is a must. So extended play times are not a good idea.

Feed a high quality dog food, if you care for your pet you will always feed a high quality food and none of that cheap junk. You get what you pay for in the dog food world! I recommend using ONLY Eagle Pack Dog Foods, they are of superior quality with top of the line ingredients and yes they are even better than Science Diet (just look at the #1 ingredient in Science Diet, and that says it all)!!!!!

While owning a small breed dog or puppy always, always, always keep Nutri-Cal or Corn Syrup available no matter where you are, you never know when you may need it!