Diagnosis and Treatment of Feline Hypoglycemia: A Compr

Diagnosing Feline Hypoglycemia

Diagnosing feline hypoglycemia often begins with a clinical examination of the cat, along with an assessment of symptoms and clinical pathological changes. While these can provide an initial indication of low blood sugar, the definitive diagnosis should be based on confirmed hypoglycemia. For instance, the presence of ketones in the cat's urine can be a significant indicator. Additionally, if an Xray reveals an enlarged liver with blunted edges, it may suggest conditions like feline fatty liver or other liver diseases. Liver immaturity, elevated blood ammonia levels, and brain symptoms related to diet can predict portal and postcaval vein syndrome.

Treatment for Feline Hypoglycemia

1. Sugar Replacement

Regardless of the cause, replenishing sugar is crucial in treating low blood sugar in cats. To quickly restore normal blood sugar levels, cats should be administered a 50% glucose injection intravenously at a dosage of 1mL/kg. Following this, a slow intravenous injection of a 5% glucose lactated Ringer's solution is recommended at a rate of [10ml/(kg·h)]. For cats without vomiting or severe diarrhea, oral glucose administration or feeding glucose dissolved in water can be effective, based on a dosage of 1g/kg.

2. Adjusting Diet

If a cat retains some appetite after experiencing hypoglycemia, owners can offer them a small amount of carbohydraterich food.

3. Oral HighCholine Methionine Compound

This medication can be used to treat feline hypoglycemia, but it should not be administered to cats with portalpost caval shunt syndrome. Additionally, supplementing with adequate amounts of B vitamins and vitamin C can be beneficial.

4. Fluid Replacement

In cases where a cat exhibits symptoms like enteric sepsis, collapse, dehydration, or increased ketones, a mixture of equal parts lactated Ringer's solution and 5% glucose injection (1mL/kg) should be administered intravenously slowly. A vitamin complex solution (60mL/kg) should also be added. For severely ill cats, a continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 5mL/kg per hour is recommended to prevent sudden death.

5. Antibiotics

Antibiotics can prevent secondary infections in cats. For cats without vomiting, neomycin (20mg/kg) can be administered orally every 6 hours. For cats with vomiting, intravenous ampicillin (20mg/kg) or gentamicin (4mg/kg) can be administered.

Preventive Measures

Most cases of feline hypoglycemia are dietrelated, so effective prevention starts with the cat's diet. Especially for kittens, who have small meals but rapid digestion, it's important for owners to feed them in small, frequent portions to ensure they eat normally. For adult cats, a balanced diet is essential, as they are obligate carnivores and should be fed a diet high in lean protein. Choose highquality cat food from reputable brands. Remember, 'You are what you eat,' so be meticulous in selecting your cat's food.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: Please don't underestimate feline hypoglycemia! It's important to take preventive measures for your beloved pets on a regular basis.