What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a syndrome that can occur primarily in toy breeds between the ages of 6 - 12 weeks. Hypoglycemia is a condition of low blood sugar because toy breeds have less ability to store and metabolize glucose than larger, older dogs. Hypoglycemia an be brought on by stress, failure to eat sufficient amount of nutritious food, missing a meal, being dehydrated, having an upset stomach, becoming chilled, or becoming exhausted from too much play, exercise, or over-handling.

Symptoms:

The typical signs are listlessness, depression, staggering gait, muscular weakness and tremors. The sequence of symptoms is not always present. Some puppies may only exhibit weakness; on the other hand, occasionally a puppy that seemed just fine is found in a coma. Puppies with a severe drop in blood sugar develop seizures or become stuperous and go into a coma. Death can follow. Prolonged or repeated hypoglycemic episodes in toy breeds can cause brain damage, so prevention is critical. Puppies with frequent attacks should be tested for an underlying problem such as liver shunt, infection, or an enzyme or hormone deficiency.

Prevention:

Puppies should be monitored for symptoms. Puppies should have constant access to food and water. A half-teaspoon of honey or sugar may be added to every 1 cup of water to ensure hydration and blood sugar levels until the puppy is 10-12 weeks old. If puppy won't drink, use an empty syringe to administer corn syrup, sugar water, or honey. A puppy should be active, and have gums that are shell pink. Puppies should have a high-carbohydrate, high protein, high fat diet. It is essential that the diet be high quality. Do not feed table scraps! If you give puppy treats for training incentives, give small portions so puppies appetite won't be ruined with less nutritious foods. If puppy is eating but not as heartily as he should be, try the following: soften his food with warm water to make a gravy, use human baby food meat, chicken broth, or baby cereal. Pedialite, electrolytes, Gatorade, and Pediasure can also be helpful to keep puppy's blood sugar level adequate. Avoid all situations that may cause hypoglycemia such as chilling, over handling, and other stressful situations. Toy breed puppies should be treated like fragile babies.

Treatment:

If puppy's gums are a pale grayish blue, rub some honey or Karo syrup on the gums several times until you see the pink color come back into the tongue. In the early stages of hypoglycemia, a puppy's temperature will drop, and they will shiver and tremble. Wrap the puppy in a warmed towel or blanket (the oven works quickly to warm the towel or blanket) to try to raise body temperature. If your puppy has any of the symptoms of hypoglycemia such as being lethargic and having a wobbly gait, and unfocused, half closed eyes, contact your vet immediately and treat as an emergency. But first (or en route) try to raise the blood sugar level as follows: If puppy won't drink, use an empty syringe to administer corn syrup, sugar water or honey. Squirt the glucose concoction slowly into the puppies mouth to allow him to swallow but not choke. Rub the corn syrup, sugar water paste or honey on the gums.

The number one thing your puppy needs is a lot of love and attention, and they will be a happy healthy member of your family for years to come.

Other Considerations:

Do NOT vaccinate for Leptospirosis!!! Toy breed puppies have a high tendency for a dangerous reaction, and the chance of an indoor Maltese pet of getting sick from the illness are slim. The risk is far greater than the benefit. Tell your vet NO!

Spay/Neuter:
When your puppy is on the small side, it is better to wait to get the surgery to be on the safe side. Females rarely go into heat before eight months old. Again, the benefit does not out weigh the risk.

The internet has been a great resource for building my knowledge. I highly recommend anyone who wants to bring a puppy home to become informed about the breed, as well as veterinary concerns. Knowledge is power. Use it!