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Hypoglycemia / Sugar DropArticle: Hypoglycemia in ChihuahuasAuthor: Sue Lane Also known as Von Gierke Syndrome, this is a condition in toy breeds which is characterized by sudden coma, shock and occasionally by convulsions and in many cases death. There are two types: Transient Juvenile Hypoglycemia If the puppy is controlled well it will survive and normally grows out if it by 6 to 9 months. Persistent or Recurrent Juvenile Hypoglycemia Is a storage disease and is caused by a deficiency of glucose 6 phosphatase, which is an enzyme necessary for the conversion of glucose 6 phosphate to free glucose. These puppies respond to initial treatment, relapse and eventually die. Autopsies reveal glycogen deposits in the liver, kidneys and myocardium. The cause is not completely known. There seems to be a relationship in that stress conditions in young puppies are the very small hyperactive type. These tend to run in certain lines so may be familial. Over the years I have found that any predisposing factor that causes lack of appetite or no food over 8 hours can produce the syndrome. Young puppies that are handled too much or become exhausted playing with larger, fitter mates or miss out on their share of food to bossier pups are common causes, as are sudden cold snaps, shock or gastrointestinal disturbances, change of food, change of homes, vaccinations or sometimes even a change in nursery routine. Signs of Hypoglycemia Your Chihuahua may not experience all signs but if you notice your dog becoming wobbly on its feet or extremely tired the follow the steps below: Emergency treatment for sugar drop Simple measures can be taken at home by the following: 1. The pup even if comatose will have a swallowing reflex, half a teaspoon of honey or glucose onto the tongue and roof of the mouth will normally revive the pup within the hour. It is imperative to then feed the pup carbohydrates and protein as the pup is usually extremely hungry. Give the pup anything it will eat. Nutragel or Nutrapet are most helpful supplements to prevent recurrence. Liver is also a source of glycogen, shredded liver in small amounts is a helpful extra. 2. Warmth and rest separate from the other pups and feed a little often. The pup may be put back with a pup of similar size when quite recovered but be sure to follow the management regime below. In cases that do not respond seek prompt veterinary assistance. I used to follow up on these pups with honey several times a day but found they developed diarrhea and the occasional pup died, not from sugar drop but from the treatment. The honey causes excessive carbohydrates which causes enterotoxaemia, which is caused by an increase of carbohydrate in the bowel which allows excessive bacterial growth and subsequent endotoxin production. I found better results from honey for initial treatment in acute cases and then an inch of Nutrigel / Nutripet morning and night. Electrolytes, 1ml per hour for 4 hours once the pup is sitting up, as well as milk, biscuits, chicken, beef or anything I can get into the pup to eat. These pups should be confined to small pens as rests is essential. Follow up management for sugar drop puppies 1. As the pup usually goes into sugar drop during the night and is found in a comatose or semi-comatose state in the morning feed a late supper of milk and dry food and half an inch of Nutrigel / Nutripet. 2. Breakfast no later than 8am, puppies cannot go without food and water for more than 8 hours. 3. Dont vaccinate before 8 weeks. 4. Dont subject to excessive stress, dont worm and vaccinate in the same week, be careful with puppies around families with small children : remember the smaller the child the larger the dog should be. 5. These puppies require a little and often 4 to 5 feeds daily. If you are going away for the day remember to leave plenty of food and water particularly biscuits. (C)Copyright 2007, this article is copyright protected Special thanks to Sue Lane for permission to display this article on RoyaltyChi Chihuahuas website. |