Hypoglycemia

Symptoms:

Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar is a
condition in which there is a drastic, sudden drop in the
level of blood sugar in the puppy.  It is a puppy disease
most often in seen in toy breed puppies and usually not seen
in puppies over twelve weeks of age.  It is most likely caused
by the uneven spurts in growth of the internal organs of the
puppy, especially the pancreas.  The brain will receive
incorrect signals from the pancreas and not send out a
correct signal for the release of a proper amount of sugar
in the bloodstream.  Signs of an attack are a weakness,
confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth
- sometimes even a seizure and drain of blood from the head.
 A check of the gums will show them to be pale, almost a
grayish white in color rather than a healthy bright pink.  
The puppy can go into shock and, if not cared for properly
and promptly, may even die.

Causes

Hypoglycemia can be an inherited condition.  If a female
has been hypoglycemic, it's likely that she will pass it on to
her puppies.  For the young pup prone to this condition,
even a brief period of fasting in a toy breed puppy can
trigger a hypoglycemic "attack", Any significant stress,
such as a routine trip to the vet's, that occurs in the
absence of a recent meal, can cause the blood sugar to drop
to dangerously low levels.  Low environmental temperatures,
infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise, and inadequate
nutrition increase the risk even further.

Treatment

Feeding recommendations for puppies at risk for
hypoglycemia include: frequent (4-5 times a day) feedings of
high-carbohydrate, high -protein and/or -fat foods.  Feeding
soft moist foods may help to prevent a hypoglycemia attack
due to the high sugar content.  Gatorade mixed with a little
honey, Ringers lactate with dextrose or Pedialyte are good
products to use if dog is having an attack.  These products
have electrolytes, which ailing puppies need.  Honey and
corn syrup can be used also.  For pups who have had
recurrent or prolonged signs, monitoring the urine for
ketones with a "dipstick" made for diabetics is helpful, since
a return to "ketone negative status" signals a return to
normalcy.  If these measures don't correct the problem, a
trip to the vet is recommended.  Intravenous feedings may
be necessary and the vet will need to check the puppy for
more serious problems.