What is Hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia refers to an abnormal decrease of glucose concentration in the blood, or more simply - low blood sugar levels. A normal blood glucose value for healthy, non-diabetic dogs is 3.3-6.1 mmol/L. Hypoglycemia occurs when excessive glucose consumption depletes the reserves of glucose in the body. 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 as a low blood sugar concentration. As sugar (in the form of glucose) is the primary energy source in the body, low blood sugar levels will ultimately affect organ and brain function.
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Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Dogs
Symptoms of hypoglycemia will usually 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 appetite
- Lethargy (low energy)
- Slow response time
- Unusual behaviour
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- Polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Lack of coordination
- Partial paralysis of hindquarters
- Weakness
- Exercise intolerance
- Trembling
- Involuntary twitching
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
Causes of Hypoglycemia in Dogs
Hypoglycemia can be the result of underlying endocrine or hepatic disorders, sudden increase 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 system
- Inflammation of the liver
- Portosystemic shunt
- Glycogen-storage disease
- Excessive strenuous exercise
- 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
Diagnosis of Hypoglycemia in Dogs
When hypoglycemia is suspected on the basis of the above clinical signs and history, the veterinarian will first perform a complete physical exam. This will be followed by a measurement of the 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 easy test that only requires a small drop of blood from the patient. This is beneficial for hypoglycaemic puppies and kittens as a large sample is not required. The result appears within a few seconds. An ideal blood glucose value is 3.3-6.1 mmol/L, any reading that is lower than this indicates hypoglycaemia.
Additional blood tests may be performed to evaluate organ function (specifically the kidney, liver, and pancreas), electrolyte imbalances, thyroid function, cortisol function, and other blood related conditions. A urinalysis (urine test) may be performed to eliminate urinary infections or disease, as well as evaluate kidney function.
If the cause of hypoglycaemia is suspected to be related to cancer or tumour growth, then an ultrasound may be performed.
Treatment of Hypoglycemia in Dogs
Initial treatment is aimed at correcting the hypoglycemic crisis by way of raising the blood sugar 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 by the owner at home). 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 exercise, the condition will be resolved after a period of rest. Dogs will usually be monitored for several hours at the veterinary hospital and then sent home with preventative discharge instructions.
If hypoglycaemia occurred due to a cancer, tumour, or portosystemic shunt then surgery could be necessary. Inflammatory or endocrine disorders may be 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
Once a patient is discharged after a hypoglycemic episode, it is important to continue home monitoring for signs of reoccurrence. Dogs may be sent home with specific surgical discharge instructions or medications to treat the underlying conditions 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 small meals per day instead of one large meal. For active dogs, it is advised to feed a moderate meal several hours before activity and to keep snacks readily available. Care should also be taken to monitor dogs closely when there is a requirement for fasting, for example pre-operative periods.
Ultimately, prognosis and the expected time to a full recovery is dependent on the underlying conditions that have contributed to hypoglycemia.
Cost of Hypoglycemia in Dogs
Treatment cost will 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 cost will be approximately $80 - $200. If an intravenous glucose infusion is required this can add an additional $100 - $300. Treatment cost for underlying causes is based on whether surgical intervention or medical therapy is necessary, and will start from $800. Ongoing treatment may be necessary and the total treatment cost can be between $1000 - $8000.
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Hypoglycemia Average Cost
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Hypoglycemia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Rottweiler
Diesel
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleeps A Lot
My 10 year old Rottweiler collapsed yesterday on his walk. At first he tried to pee and cocked his leg. His standing hind leg collapsed from underneath him. It happened several times, then his front legs collapsed as well. I was able to get him home but then his front left paw collapsed as we walked up the 2 steps to the porch. After a few hours he was ok, although he’s been shaky for a few months, we thought it was just him getting old. I gave him honey in water which he lapped up, he’s lost a lot of weight over the past 6months although his appetite is fine and I’ve even increased his food. He was bouncing around prior to his walk cos he gets excited when I get his lead out of the cupboard. Today he’s been tearing Xmas wrapping paper apart in pure happiness but again is very tired now. Does it sound like hypoglycaemia? He hasn’t had convulsions though, just collapsed and was still awake and responsive.
Dec. 25, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. i'm sorry that Diesel is having problems. It would be very unusual for a 10 year old dog to have episodes of hypoglycemia, though not impossible. Without examining him, I'm not sure what miht be going on with him, but a good first step would be to have him examined by your veteirnarian and have some blood work done to evaluate his systemic function. Your vet will be able to identify any other issues that might be contributing to this as well. I hope that he is okay!
Dec. 26, 2017
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Poodle
dok
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Weakness
My 1 year old poodle is very lethargic and is fainting for a week now. She doesn't eat and we're just giving her some water and her recovery food.. She has a dilated pupils but her stool and urine is normal so we're suspecting that it's hypoglycemia. We gave her a honey twice but nothings has changed. Plus the vet gave her an iv fluid for 5 days now but still under her weight and doesn't improve. What should we do?
Nov. 25, 2017
0 Recommendations
If honey is ineffective at helping recover Dok from an episode, it may be that the problem is due to another cause like heart failure or similar cause; without examining Dok and running some blood tests we cannot say for sure what the specific case is, a blood test would be valuable as it would show if there was an issue with red blood cells, liver function, kidney function or anything else peculiar. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 25, 2017
My chihuahuas hypoglycemic and usually is fine i just let her free feed and give her soft food twice a day. When she has an episode i get syrup and food in her and she usually snaps out of it. Im just wondering how long it should take her to feel normal again. It seems to be between 10 mins and an hour. Is an hour ok
Jan. 17, 2018
Kerry J.
My 9 week old toy chorkie has hypoglycemic episodes at least twice per day and multiple ones during the night, where he can’t walk. The vet has me feeding him via syringe w/ a prescription food because he’s refusing to eat on his own. When he has the episodes I just give him honey or Karo syrup. Is there more of a regimen that I can place him (give honey hourly etc.) on to prevent the episodes from occurring?
Dec. 2, 2017
Ovkydara ..
My 3 year old terrier mix is 8 pounds and having what I think to be a hypoglycemia episode. He’s rocking back and forth and not himself AT ALL. this happened about 3 months ago as well and we took him to the ER where they gave him corn syrup and glucose. Not sure if I should take him to the vet again? What can I do from now on to prevent this??
Dec. 12, 2017
Kelsie T.
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Jack russel x Manchester terrier
Bella
14 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My dog recently had been unwell and after taking her to the vet they did a blood test and told me she had very low blood sugar levels.she is 14 but very good for her age. She doesn't have Addisons so i am thinking it will be something more sinister causing these symptoms. I would like to know what would be best to do as to finding the cause of this problem. She has had about 4 lots of blood tests done but I don't think they have tested her kidney or liver function. And is it possible to check her pancreas with a blood test. She also had a very low heart rate when we took her to the vet but this has now returned to normal
Oct. 11, 2017
1 Recommendations
Hypoglycemia may be caused by a decrease in food intake and excessive exercise when it is a primary condition; normally it is secondary to another condition like Addison’s Disease (I know it is ruled out), pancreatic tumours, liver disease, xylitol poisoning among other conditions. I would recommend an ultrasound of the abdomen to look at the structure of the kidneys, liver and pancreas to look for any anomalies; normally blood tests include biochemistry which include liver and kidney function, another test to perform may be a insulin:glucose ratio test which may help indicate if there is an insulin secreting tumour. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Oct. 12, 2017
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Hypoglycemia Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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