TOYBOX YORKSHIRE TERRIERS

HYPOGLYCEMIA IN TOY OR SMALL BREED DOGS

HYPOGLYCEMIA (LOW BLOOD SUGAR) Hypoglycemia is a potentially life-threatening problem that affects Yorkies and other toy breeds. Dogs of any age can suffer from hypoglycemia, but the most common form, transient juvenile hypoglycemia, occurs in puppies younger than 4 months of age.

Puppies typically develop hypoglycemia after exercising vigorously, when they’re stressed (such as during a trip to the veterinarian), or when they’ve gone to long without eating.

Certain anatomic, physiological and behavioral factors play a role in the development of hypoglycemia in toy breed puppies: small muscle mass and liver (areas where glucose is stored), proportionately large brain (a major user of glucose) and high activity level. Immaturity of the body systems that process and store glucose may also be involved.

Hypoglycemia symptoms occur when the brain is deprived of glucose, its sole energy supply; if untreated, hypoglycemia can cause seizures, collapse, loss of consciousness and even death. Early symptoms include trembling (especially in the facial muscles), lethargy, listlessness, in coordination, a dazed or confused demeanor, and depression. 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.

If your Yorkie shows signs of hypoglycemia, start treatment immediately. Keep it warm by wrapping it in a towel or blanket (shivering makes the hypoglycemia worse). If your Yorkie is conscious, slowly dribble a little corn syrup or honey into its mouth or give it a dollop of a high-calorie dietary-supplement paste (nutra-cal,or nutra-stat). Repeat after 10 minutes, if necessary. Feed your Yorkie as soon as it’s alert enough to eat. If hypoglycemia has caused your Yorkie to lose consciousness, rub the syrup or paste on its gums and tongue, then immediately take it to the veterinarian for further care.

If your puppy is susceptible to transient juvenile hypoglycemia, feed it a high quality, nutritionally balanced food four to five times a day. Healthy high-calorie snacks may help prevent hypoglycemia between meals. If possible, avoid subjecting your Yorkie puppy to circumstances that are likely to elicit hypoglycemia, such as stressful situations or extended periods of vigorous activity.

Most puppies outgrow transient juvenile hypoglycemia by the time they’re 4 months old. Consult your veterinarian if your Yorkie continues to have hypoglycemic episodes after this age.

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