Hypoglycemia
in Teacups
This is a central nervous system disorder caused by low
blood sugar. It occurs mainly in Toy breeds, between 6 and 12 weeks of age, but
can occur later also if not regulated.
Often it is precipitated by stress, but can also occur by
overtiring, chilling or a combination of all three.
Hypoglycemia can occur without warning, when a puppy is
placed in a new environment, or while being shipped. It can also occur if the
puppy misses a meal, chills, becomes exhausted from too much playtime or has a
digestive upset. Any of these place an added strain on the energy reserves of
the liver and bring on the symptoms.
The signs are those of listlessness and depression and
are followed by muscular weakness and tremors in the facial muscles. The entire
sequence is not always seen and may simply appear to be depressed, or he may be
wobbly and/or jerking, and this can lead to convulsions, coma and death.
Prevention
and Treatment
This is directed at restoring blood levels of glucose.
Starting immediately. If the puppy is awake give him Karo Syrup, honey, or
sugar mixed with water orally. You should see an improvement in as little as 10
minutes sometimes it will take up to 30 minutes, keep giving the mixture
orally. If he is unconscious, seek a veterinarian Immediately. He will have to
be given a Dextrose solution intravenously. It may also be necessary to treat
for swelling of the brain. Prolonged or repeated attacks can cause permanent
damage to the brain.
Prevent recurrent attacks by feeding high quality
Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy food, and
you can add the syrup or honey to it. You can also purchase a product called
Nutri-Cal or Nutri-Stat given on a bi-hourly basis. The best way to prevent attacks
is to make sure the puppy is eating and drinking frequently on an hourly basis
as well and Do Not assume that he is eating and drinking without visually
seeing him doing so. Do Not allow them to play longer than 20-30 minute
periods, they should go to bed and rest after each playtime. Do Not allow their
body to become chilled. Teacups should not have a full body grooming until they
are close to a year old, a good scissor cut will do fine. Provide them with a
t-shirt, sweater, or some kind of clothing if it is that time of year. You can
also provide them with a heat mat to lay on in their resting place, under Close
Supervision, you must see to it the temperature is not too hot or that they
cannot chew or bite it. If you follow these instructions your new puppy should
do fine until they are old enough that there reserves can regulate on their
own.
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