Hypoglycemia in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a medical condition where the blood sugar levels of an animal is outside the normal range. In dogs, normal levels of blood glucose fall within the range of 80-120 mg/dl. As such, hypoglycemic conditions are defined as any value under 80 mg/dl. Below this point, it becomes increasingly difficult for cells to perform the most basic, and often critical, functions. Severe symptoms, such as canine seizures, occur when glucose levels are reduced by more than half of the normal minimum. Any glucose level past 40 mg/dl is considered fatal.

Unlike a dog’s limited range of body temperature (101-102.5°F), glucose levels can fluctuate by up to 40 units throughout the day and still be considered normal. This is because dogs are constantly depleting or building glucose levels through intermittent spikes of physical exertion and food intake, followed by rest and regeneration. For instance, glucose levels are at a low when a dog is nearing the end of his sleep cycle, due to a prolonged period of inactivity. Conversely, glucose levels are at a high after a dog eats a meal or exercises. In healthy dogs, these fluctuations are not only normal, but temporary. This is because the body is constantly working to achieve chemical balance. In hypoglycemic states, however, the body struggles to increase glucose production to a normal, stable level, as there is not enough sugar or energy available to do so efficiently and effectively. Outwardly, this presents itself as overt canine lethargy.

Hypoglycemia can be thought of in two ways – primary and secondary. In primary cases, external factors cause hypoglycemia. In secondary cases, an underlying medical condition is the cause of hypoglycemia, a very serious side effect.

What Causes Primary Hypoglycemia in Dogs?

Hypoglycemia, in its primary form, is caused by a myriad of external factors.

  • Cold Weather: In cases of cold environments or drastic temperature changes, puppies are the most vulnerable. This makes sense given that internal organs are not fully developed, and therefore, less able to maintain self-regulation.
  • Extreme Exertion: More commonly associated with hunting dogs and high-performing sports dogs, extreme physical exertion can induce a state of incoordination, dizziness, or even unconsciousness. Here, the dog’s glucose reserves are depleted to a level that falls below the minimum range. The liver may be unable to independently produce glucose.
  • Extreme Dieting: The most common example of this is seen in overweight dogs. Rather than decreasing calorie intake or regulating meals, owners may opt for more drastic measures, that unfortunately, have the opposite effect. This quick weight loss tactic can negatively impact a dog’s ability to properly produce glucose. Fasting followed by intense physical exercise is an unhealthy and dangerous approach.
  • Insulin Intake: Generally, diabetic dogs are given insulin in order to reduce blood sugar levels. When treating diabetes, insulin dosing must be closely monitored, and reduced, as the dog loses weight. Failure to do so can result in an insulin surplus, causing the body to absorb too much glucose from the blood. At the same time, the liver will worsen the issue by releasing less glucose to the blood. Together, this results in fatally low levels of blood sugar.
  • Scarce Nutrition: Although all dogs are susceptible to hypoglycemia as a result of canine malnutrition, puppies are the most susceptible. This is attributed to underdeveloped teeth, smaller body fat stores, and weaker immune systems. It is most commonly diagnosed in cases of inadequate nutrition or starvation.

What Causes Secondary Hypoglycemia in Dogs?

In this situation, the dog is suffering from a more serious, primary medical condition, in which hypoglycemia is the secondary side effect. It is important to not only check for hypoglycemia, but dually, run additional tests that may be necessary to rule out associated medical conditions.

Internal Issues

  • Addison’s Disease: This disorder is caused when the adrenal glands fail to produce a sufficient number of associated hormones, which generally help to facilitate the transport of glucose into cells. In order to have the necessary power to initiate critical functions, cells require glucose-based energy.  
  • Diabetes Mellitus: This is the most common underlying health condition associated with hypoglycemia. Diabetes is the result of the liver and pancreas not being able to use or produce enough insulin. Consequently, blood sugar levels rise. When a diabetic dog is given excessive insulin, blood sugar levels quickly change from one extreme to another. For this reason, dogs with diabetes are more prone to hypoglycemia.
  • Insulinoma: This is a condition that causes tumors in the pancreas to secrete insulin, leading to an excess amount of insulin that cannot be used. Subsequently, glucose levels drop to a value defined as hypoglycemia.
  • Intestinal Parasites: Dogs may inadvertently consume parasite eggs or spores upon ingestion of infected soil, water, feces, or food. Parasites primarily feed off of sugar in the form of carbohydrates, such as glucose. Subsequently, this leads to decreased levels of blood sugar, and if too low, hypoglycemia.
  • Liver Disease: The liver is the organ responsible for regulating blood glucose through production, storage, and release. Naturally, it cannot do any part of its job as well while battling acute infection, resulting in lower overall levels of glucose.
  • Portosystemic Liver Shunts: This genetic condition causes a deformation of the liver. Similar to liver disease, a distorted liver cannot do its job as well as a healthy, normal-functioning liver. As a result, lower levels of glucose are manufactured, stored, and dispersed.
  • Sepsis: This is a widespread inflammatory response to an infection, which can result in a hyper or hypo reaction. In a hypo, or deficient response, not enough glucose is produced, triggering symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Signs & Symptoms of Canine Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia in dogs symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Mild

  • Appetite Loss: This is easiest to detect if feeding your dog measured amounts of food at regular, timed intervals. In more advanced cases, a dog may not have an appetite for normally craved foods, such as a treat or slice of turkey.
  • Lethargy: Be on the lookout for signs of canine weakness or extreme exhaustion. Although this seems simple, signs of hypoglycemia-induced lethargy can be difficult to spot due to a number of environmental variables, such as colder weather. Behaviorally, be aware of a decreased desire or ability to play. Try to monitor whether your dog is showing signs of excess fatigue from actions as simple as running, walking, or jumping on the couch. Excessive napping is also a potential indicator.
  • Muscle Twitches: Muscle twitching that occurs when your dog is awake, in the absence of fear, and in an otherwise seemingly normal situation, may be a sign that something is wrong. Vivid dreams and fearful situations may cause twitching that is not normally related to hypoglycemia.

Moderate

  • Incoordination: This can present itself in the form of poor balance, stumbling, or difficulty walking in a straight path.
  • Unusual Behavior: While this may seem overly broad, all dogs ascribe to unique behaviors, which no one knows and understands better than the owner. If you suspect your dog is acting differently, be on the lookout for additional symptoms that could help indicate the severity of the underlying issue.
  • Trembling: In conjunction with muscle twitching, trembling is one of the most obvious physical symptoms to clearly identify. Similar to shivering, trembling is defined as an unintentional, back-and-forth movement of one limb or part of the body. If your dog starts to tremble in a situation that is not accompanied by pain, fear, canine anxiety, or chilling temperatures, this may point to hypoglycemia.

Severe

  • Blindness: In an early stage, a dog may begin to suffer from blurred or reduced vision. If you witness your dog walk into a wall or a piece of furniture, it is important to take precautionary action as symptoms could quickly worsen.
  • Unconsciousness: If your dog becomes unresponsive, call the veterinarian immediately and request in-home, emergency instructions.
  • Seizures: If you suspect your dog is seizing, call your veterinarian immediately and request urgent consultation. As soon as the seizing subsides, take your dog to the veterinarian for emergency care.

What You Can Do

If you suspect hypoglycemia based on one or more of the above symptoms, it is critical that you try to feed your dog immediately. If regular dog food doesn’t do the trick, try a few small pieces of meat. If your dog is too lethargic to perk up and eat a slice of savory bacon, you may need to opt for physical intervention. Try rubbing a high sugar liquid directly on the gums, such as syrup, honey, or sugar water. In the case you don’t notice any amount of instant physical improvement, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

What Your Vet Will Ask

Upon arrival, your veterinarian will want to review a complete history of your dog’s health, which includes recent information on diet and medication. Be prepared to talk about your dog’s symptoms. Specifically, note the surrounding situation, as well as frequency, duration, and severity. If you did anything to relieve your dog of hypoglycemic symptoms, have these details readily available as well.

Diagnosing Canine Hypoglycemia

If your veterinarian suspects hypoglycemia following initial inspection, they will likely proceed by recommending a few standard diagnostic tests – Chemistry Profile, Complete Blood Count, and/or Urinalysis.

  • Chemistry Profile: This test measures a wide number of chemicals and enzymes, as a means to evaluate overall organ health and function.
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Taking a blood sample, this test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. All of these factors help the veterinarian to determine if abnormalities are present. In hypoglycemic conditions, red blood cells lose electrolytes and rupture. Subsequently, a low red blood cell count may point to hypoglycemia.    
  • Urinalysis: This is a test that collects urine either by Cystocentesis, Catherization, or Mid-Stream Free-Flow. Cystocentesis collects urine with a needle and syringe through the abdomen, while the less-invasive Catherization achieves this through the bladder. In the best-case scenario, your dog will be able to provide a voluntary urine sample. Once collected, the veterinarian may check glucose levels. In dogs, normal urine should not contain any amount of glucose. Abnormal, high-glucose urine can be a strong indicator of hypoglycemia, as well as diabetes or kidney failure.

In addition to these standard chemical, blood, and urine tests, your veterinarian may advise further analysis if hypoglycemia is thought to be secondary to a more severe health issue. In such situations, there are six common tests.

  • An abdomen ultrasound is used to identify possible tumors.
  • A cortisol test checks for the presence of Addison’s disease.
  • A chemistry test helps the veterinarian pinpoint functional issues with the kidney, liver, and pancreas.
  • An electrolyte test reveals dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
  • A serum biochemistry profile investigates a variety of possible diseases.
  • Thyroid tests rule out functional issues with the thyroid gland.

Hypoglycemia in Dogs Treatment

Treating hypoglycemia is twofold. First, the veterinarian will provide oral or intravenous glucose supplements. Second, he or she will diagnose and treat any underlying medical conditions.

Preventing Canine Hypoglycemia

The first step to preventing hypoglycemia is through careful monitoring of what your dog ingests, particularly uncooked meat, contaminated soil, feces, and any other substance associated with high levels of bacteria. While you can’t always be near to your dog, try to observe eating patterns when you can. If your dog attempts to ingest something potentially harmful, use this moment as a learning opportunity. In addition to paying close attention to what your dog should not eat, selecting a dog food with maximal nutritional content is an important task as well.

Nourishing dog food in measured amounts and evenly spaced throughout the day is the most common veterinary recommendation for maintaining a healthy weight. Along with proper nutrition, be mindful of sudden drops in outside temperatures, as this can induce signs of hypoglycemia. On a day-to-day basis, work to keep your dog healthy and happy by scheduling regular exercise, as well as limiting excessive or abnormal food intake. If your dog suffers from diabetes, be sure to continually adjust the amount of insulin injected, based upon any recent weight fluctuations. Further, if your dog is ever required to fast, such as before surgery or anesthesia, consider screening for hypoglycemia and watching for any early signs.

To help regulate and track any changes in your dog’s behaviors, consider using an app that allows you to quickly and easily record such information on-the-go. In the case of any health emergency, the veterinarian may be able to diagnose and treat the issue more quickly if a detailed, firsthand report is readily available. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, share the causes, signs, and treatment methods of hypoglycemia with other dog owners. Given that the vast majority of diagnoses are attributed to preventable, external factors, it is important to take preemptive action by understanding the causes and symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you notice hypoglycemic symptoms in your dog or another, you will be able to provide immediate advice, assistance, and support – who knows, you might even help save a life!

Sources:

 

Tags: , ,

Get 30% off When You
Join Our Newsletter

Sign Up Today
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Other Posts You May Like...