what to do when dog has low blood sugar seizure

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia refers to an abnormal subtract of glucose concentration in the blood, or more only - low claret carbohydrate levels.  A normal blood glucose value for healthy, non-diabetic dogs is three.3-vi.ane mmol/L.  Hypoglycemia occurs when excessive glucose consumption depletes the reserves of glucose in the trunk.  Hypoglycemia can be a result of endocrine or hepatic disorders, a higher energy requirement for glucose, lack of glucose due to fasting, or toxicity.  Hypoglycemia will leave dogs feeling weak and groggy.  If left untreated, unconsciousness followed by death may result.

Hypoglycemia is defined every bit a low blood sugar concentration.  As sugar (in the class of glucose) is the primary free energy source in the trunk, low claret sugar levels will ultimately affect organ and encephalon function.

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Hypoglycemia Average Cost

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Average Cost

$4,000

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Symptoms of hypoglycemia will normally begin with low energy and a delayed response time, if left to progress further these symptoms will develop into more serious signs such as seizures and collapse.  Potential symptoms include:

• Loss of ambition
• Lethargy (low energy)
• Tiresome response fourth dimension
• Unusual behaviour
• Polyuria (increased urination)
• Polydipsia (increased thirst)
• Lack of coordination
• Partial paralysis of hindquarters
• Weakness
• Practise intolerance
• Trembling
• Involuntary twitching
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

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Causes of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Hypoglycemia tin be the result of underlying endocrine or hepatic disorders, sudden increment in the use of glucose by the body, inadequate amounts of glucose, or toxicity.  Causes include:

•  Abnormal growth of pancreatic cells
• Cancer in the liver or gastrointestinal organisation
• Inflammation of the liver
• Portosystemic shunt
• Glycogen-storage disease
• Excessive strenuous practice
• Overuse of glucose in the body during pregnancy
• Reduced intake of glucose due to starvation or malnutrition
• Delayed time between meals in kittens and puppies (especially toy breeds)
• Overdosing of insulin
• Toxicity from ingestion of artificial sweeteners

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Diagnosis of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

When hypoglycemia is suspected on the basis of the above clinical signs and history, the veterinary will commencement perform a complete physical examination.  This will be followed by a measurement of the electric current blood glucose value and potential ancillary tests to define the underlying causes of the condition.

The initial blood glucose measurement is assessed using a glucometer (also called a glucose meter) and it is a quick piece of cake examination that merely requires a modest drib of blood from the patient.  This is benign for hypoglycaemic puppies and kittens equally a large sample is non required. The result appears within a few seconds.  An ideal blood glucose value is iii.3-6.ane mmol/Fifty, any reading that is lower than this indicates hypoglycaemia.

Boosted blood tests may exist performed to evaluate organ office (specifically the kidney, liver, and pancreas), electrolyte imbalances, thyroid part, cortisol function, and other claret related weather condition.  A urinalysis (urine examination) may be performed to eliminate urinary infections or affliction, every bit well as evaluate kidney part.

If the cause of hypoglycaemia is suspected to be related to cancer or neoplasm growth, so an ultrasound may be performed.

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Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Initial handling is aimed at correcting the hypoglycemic crisis past way of raising the blood carbohydrate levels.  Depending on the severity and symptoms, this may be initially managed by rubbing glucose or corn syrup on the gums (a treatment which can be started past the possessor at dwelling house).  If more aggressive therapy is required, the dog will be placed on a intravenous fluid infusion containing concentrated dextrose. Blood glucose levels will be reassessed after the initial treatment.

Ongoing treatment will focus on management of the underlying cause of disease.  If the hypoglycaemia has occurred due to fasting or over practise, the condition will be resolved after a period of rest.  Dogs will usually be monitored for several hours at the veterinary hospital and so sent home with preventative belch instructions.

If hypoglycaemia occurred due to a cancer, tumour, or portosystemic shunt then surgery could exist necessary.  Inflammatory or endocrine disorders may exist treated with medical management.  Toxicity is usually managed with supportive treatment.  Defining and treating the underlying cause is essential or hypoglycaemia will reoccur.

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Recovery of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

In one case a patient is discharged later a hypoglycemic episode, it is of import to continue home monitoring for signs of reoccurrence.  Dogs may be sent home with specific surgical discharge instructions or medications to treat the underlying weather condition depending on what is performed in clinic.

Special care should be taken in small breed puppies or kittens and highly active dogs to prevent reoccurrence.  For puppies and kittens, frequency of feeding should be increased to several modest meals per twenty-four hour period instead of 1 large meal.  For agile dogs, it is advised to feed a moderate meal several hours before activity and to keep snacks readily bachelor.  Care should also be taken to monitor dogs closely when in that location is a requirement for fasting, for example pre-operative periods.

Ultimately, prognosis and the expected fourth dimension to a total recovery is dependent on the underlying conditions that have contributed to hypoglycemia.

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Cost of Hypoglycemia in Dogs

Treatment cost volition vary greatly depending on the underlying conditions responsible for the hypoglycemic episode.  For an initial consultation, blood glucose test, and treatment with glucose syrup, the price will be approximately $lxxx - $200.  If an intravenous glucose infusion is required this tin add together an boosted $100 - $300.  Treatment cost for underlying causes is based on whether surgical intervention or medical therapy is necessary, and volition start from $800.  Ongoing treatment may exist necessary and the total treatment cost tin be between $1000 - $8000.

Hypoglycemia can be expensive to care for. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner y'all insure your pet, the more protection you'll have from unexpected vet costs.

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