Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a disorder of the central system caused by low blood sugar.  Occurs mostly in toy breeds, but can occur in larger breeds.  Hypoglycemia can occur without warning when a puppy goes to a new home, has missed a meal doesn't eat a full meal, becomes chilled, exhausted, or from too much handling or playing.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR: 
Depression, weakness, being wobbly or jerky.  It's head may appear to be tilted to the left or right, neck may appear stiff and in a locked position and the body may soon appear the same way and the teeth may be clamped tightly.  Convulsions, seizures, or coma can occur, which could result in death.  The gums will appear white or gray instead of pink.  Remember that this is a puppy, you should never wake it to play or show it to friends.  The puppy needs it's rest. This is very important for your puppy's health.

TREATMENT:
The blood levels of glucose must be raised immediately!!!!  Don't Hesitate!!!  Your Puppy's LIFE is at Risk!!!  If your puppy is conscious give it a little Karo or Pancake Syrup under it's tongue or rub it on it's gums.  Be careful not to put it straight down the throat for the puppy could choke or aspirate it into it's lungs.  Massage the throat gently after each application to encourage swallowing, if necessary.  The puppy should begin to improve within 10 minutes.  If the puppy is unconscious your vet may have to administer dextrose solution intravenously in order to save it's life.  Contact your VET immediately!!!  You do not have time to waste, your puppy could be in danger.

PREVENTION:
Feed your puppy twice a day.  Make sure the puppy eats, don't just put food in front of it and walk away.  Even if you feed wet food to your puppy, always leave dry food with the puppy.   Don't bathe the puppy for a few days after a sugar attack and when you do bathe it, use baby shampoo.  Keep the puppy in a warm, draft free environment.  Keep the puppy off the floor, floors can sometimes be drafty and chilly for the puppy.  Don't take the puppy for drives unless it is necessary.  Limit handling of the puppy to prevent injury, soreness and stress.
Keep small children from handling the puppy until it is older.  Don't expose the puppy to other animals until it has had a complete series of vaccinations.  Stress can cause low blood sugar levels.  Always keep the puppy from any type of stressful situations.