What Is Hypoglycemia in Dogs

1 Overview

I. Causes of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Hypoglycemia in dogs occurs mostly in puppies. An affected puppy has a drop in temperature, weak heart sounds, deep slow breathing, and severe cases may vomit, have diarrhea, and convulse; severe ones may even faint, with dilated pupils and lost eye reflexes. Besides puppies, small breeds like Chihuahuas often experience it. In adult dogs the symptoms are milder: early on just lethargy, reluctance to move, unsteady standing, and normal appetite, but as it worsens the dog may convulse, collapse, or die.

II. Why Puppies Commonly Get Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia often occurs in nursing mother dogs within one week after delivery. Early signs are confusion, pale complexion, short rapid breathing, and fast heart rate. The puppy walks unsteadily; severe cases show generalized or intermittent convulsions and a peculiar odor, mainly acetone-smelling urine. Late stage is often death from low temperature and coma.

Among all dogs with hypoglycemia, the most dangerous are those undergoing cesarean section; some convulse, go into shock, or die from coma before anesthesia is even finished, and improper treatment causes death. For relief, glucose powder (20-50 g) dissolved in warm water is usually given; if no glucose, orally give white-sugar water (20-50 g sugar in warm water). Inject or orally give hydrocortisone 2-5 mg to control the condition; intravenous injection is best done at a hospital.