Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a common problem with all toy breed puppies.  Hypoglycemia is the
medical term for low blood sugar, which is a condition in which there is a drastic, sudden drop in the
level of blood sugar in the puppy. In small breed puppies from post-weaning to 4 month of age, the most
common form of hypoglycemia is called Transient Juvenile Hypoglycemia: “Transient” because the
symptoms can be reversed by eating; "Juvenile" because it is seen in young puppies.  As a toy breed
owner, it is important to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and know how to treat it.  
Hypoglycemia is easily treatable in the early stages, but fatal if allowed to progress.

Hypoglycemic incidents are almost always preceded by a stress of some kind. Some examples of
common stresses include: weaning, teething, vaccinations, a change in environment, shipping, over-
handling, cold temperatures, intestinal parasites, infections, anorexia, etc.  Many small breed puppies
simply play too hard and stress their system or forget to eat.

The first sign of hypoglycemia is the puppy slowing down and then acting listless. The puppy will then
begin to tremble or shiver. This is a reaction caused as the brain is starved for glucose. More signs of an
attack are a weakness, confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth - sometimes even a
seizure and drain of blood from the head. His body will be limp, lifeless, and a check of the gums will
show them to be pale, almost a grayish white in color rather than a healthy bright pink.. The body
temperature will be subnormal. After a time, the puppy will become comatose and may even appear to
be dead. The puppy can go into shock and, if not cared for properly and promptly, may even die.

If hypoglycemia is caught in the early stages, rub Nutri-Cal (Karo syrup will do if you have no Nutri-
Cal) on the puppy's gums, under the tongue, and on the roof of the mouth. Get a heating pad or heating
blanket and slowly warm the puppy to proper body temperature. If the puppy responds, all is well. Feed
a quality, canned food containing, high-carbohydrates and protein right away (you may want to mix it
with egg yolk) and then monitor the puppy to be sure that the condition does not recur. Be sure to
eliminate the stress that caused the episode if at all possible.

If hypoglycemia is caught in the more advanced stages, rub Nutri-Cal or Karo in the mouth, and
carefully insert a small amount in the rectum. Slowly warm the puppy to normal body temperature
(101-102 degrees F) and keep him warm continuously with light heat. If the puppy still does not
respond, carefully eye dropper dextrose solution or Karo water into the mouth, a little at a time only if
the dog can swallow. Call your veterinarian immediately and inform him that you have a hypoglycemic
puppy.
Precious Little Paws
(309)781-6241