Symptoms of Canine Hypoglycemia: What to Watch Out For

Section 1: Canine Hypoglycemia in Female Dogs

Canine hypoglycemia typically strikes female dogs within the first day or several days after giving birth, although it can also occur up to a month later. It's particularly common in females that give birth to more than four puppies at once, as they are more susceptible to low blood sugar levels.

Causes: During pregnancy and lactation, a female dog's nutritional demands skyrocket to support the growth of the puppies and the production of milk. If her nutritional intake is insufficient to meet these increased needs, she is at a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia.

Key Symptoms: The early stages of hypoglycemia in dogs often manifest with symptoms such as decreased appetite, lack of energy, unsteady gait, and wobbly walking. In more severe cases, dogs may exhibit intermittent seizures, frothing at the mouth, fever, and a distinctive ketone odor. Their bodies may also overheat.

Treatment: The treatment involves administering a combination of medications, including 10% glucose (20ml/kg of body weight), sodium chloride solution (10ml/kg of body weight), vitamin C (50ml/kg of body weight), hydrocortisone (1.5mg/kg of body weight), and vitamin B1 (50mg/kg of body weight). These should be administered through slow intravenous infusion, once daily, for a duration of three days.

Section 2: Neonatal Canine Hypoglycemia

Neonatal canine hypoglycemia is primarily caused by low blood sugar levels in the puppies and is characterized by distinct neurological symptoms. It often occurs within the first week of life in newborn puppies and is also seen in small, toy breeds under three months of age.

Causes: Poor management during the latter stages of pregnancy in the mother dog is a common cause, leading to weak puppies at birth. Additionally, insufficient milk supply or lack of access to milk can result in malnutrition. Cold weather or hunger can also trigger hypoglycemia in puppies.

Key Symptoms: Puppies with hypoglycemia may exhibit unsteady gait, stop nursing, and have intermittent muscle tremors. They may also experience generalized spasms, followed by rapid return to a state of sleepiness. Their body temperature may drop, and they may become insensitive. Severe cases can lower blood sugar levels to 3050mg/100ml, and without prompt treatment, it can be fatal.

Treatment: The treatment for hypoglycemia focuses on promptly replenishing the puppy's blood sugar levels. For newborns, 5% to 10% glucose solution can be administered via intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections (every 48 hours), followed by oral glucose saline during this period. Treatment should continue for 23 days. For older puppies, a 20% glucose solution mixed with an equal amount of sodium chloride solution can be administered intravenously at a rate of 10ml/hour/kg of body weight. Additionally, a subcutaneous injection of prednisolone acetate at 0.2mg/kg can be given. If the puppy still has an appetite, feeding small, frequent meals and supplementing with 23g of sugar daily can help prevent hypoglycemia.

These are the common symptoms of canine hypoglycemia summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor. If you notice any of these symptoms in your beloved pet, it's best to take them to the vet for a checkup and early prevention!