Suggestions for how to prevent hypoglycemia in Chihuahuas

[duffyduff]

I have a chihuahua who is getting more and more low blood sugar "attacks." He never had these as a young dog, but in the last three years he has been getting them more and more often. He had them twice a year, and now it is about monthly or every three weeks.

When he has his episodes, I give him either Karo syrup or Nutrical, and those work on him, but I am open to suggestions on what kind of food would be helpful in preventing these episodes, which tend to result when he isn't eating enough.

I am very scared if he ever has these attacks when nobody is in the house and he could die of it.

[Behind the Aegis]

1. Are you certain they are blood sugar attacks?

You should have him tested to make sure. Do it as closely to an attack as possible. It is very possible their a seizure disorder in play, which is not uncommon in Chihuahuas. Depending on his age, it could also be because he is getting over-heated/over-excited. For the next week, keep track of how much food and water he is eating and at what intervals, it will help with a diagnosis. If it is low-blood sugar, Nutri-Cal is the best, more so than Karo syrup (in a pinch, honey is much better than Karo).

I have 4 Chihuahuas. My male, Voodoo, was having what I thought was blood sugar attacks; turned out that wasn't it and the vet was afraid it was epileptic seizures. However, it was my opinion it was because he wasn't eating and drinking and was only interested in our female who was in heat. So, it was over-exertion.

I would suggest a blood panel and lengthy discussion with your vet!

CHI POWER!

[duffyduff]

2. I'm pretty sure these attacks are blood sugar-related because

he does tend not to eat as much as he should, and then if he gets overly excited or scared, he is at risk for "bonking out."

He mostly loses his balance, holds his foot up, and has that forlorn expression on his face.

I agree about the Nutrical in that it is the best for these dogs, but I only wish it wasn't so expensive.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. That's EXACTLY what was happening to Voodoo!

It scared the shit out of me! That strange look and the shaking...I was so upset. I took him to the vet the next day and they ran a blood panel. It wasn't a problem with sugar nor electrolytes; as a matter of fact, they were perfect. That's when we decided it was likely because of his lack of eating and over-excitement.

I checked online, and you can find Nutri-Cal between $5 and $12. If worse comes to worse, ask your vet for help, you'd be surprised how many will help now.

Let me know what happens. (here's my Krewe! http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1161&pid=1193)

[duffyduff]

4. Thank you for your advice.

I am going to watch this critter like a hawk. Unlike most chis who have hypoglycemia, this guy never had it when young.

It's only in the last three years, when we had to move to Oregon, that he started getting that way.

I know I am kind of diagnosing him, but it was only through research online that I could pinpoint it.

The Karo syrup helps him get out of the problem, but the Nutrical is better.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. You are welcome.

Like us, dogs can develop all kinds of issues as they age. I didn't realize you had moved from one state to another; there is the possibility of allergies to the environment.

What I was told when an episode happens, get him Nutri-Cal immediately and about 3cc of water. Do it every few hours (less with Karo because that could cause a hyperglycemic episode). Also, hold him close and get him to relax. If you are really upset, don't hold him near your chest because he will hear your heartbeat. Try to get him to relax, even sleep; just keep checking.

A blood panel is going to be your best bet. I didn't take to the internet when it happened to Voodoo because I have a former vet's assistant as a close friend and I panic called her at 1am! (She's a very good friend and loves Voodoo!)

Oh, keep track of the episodes (time of day, temp in the house, etc.) because it could very well be an environmental stressor that you can eliminate.

I wish you and the little guy the best.

[sinkingfeeling]

6. Borrow or buy a glucose meter and test his blood sugar levels. It's the only

way to know for sure what is happening. I used a FreeStyle meter on my dog, who had diabetes, for years.

[duffyduff]

7. Thanks for that suggestion. I will do that. n/t

[Walk away]

8. You can get a glucose meter and 10 test strips free on line from Freestyle lite.

Just fill out the info as if it's for you. They will send you everything you need for testing.

https://www.freestyleinsulinx.us/?cid=bn_adc_myf1079_ADC_Y13M01DTCBAN11C02&responseTrackingCode=ADC_Y13M01DTCBAN11C02

[duffyduff]

9. Thank you for that information! I just ordered one. n/t

[Walk away]

10. You can also send away for a "Freestyle Lite Card" that will cut your test strip cost in half.

If it doesn't come with your free meter then call their help line and apply for one.

[duffyduff]

11. It looks like I will have to make an appointment with a vet to get a blood panel

I hope it isn't too expensive because I am destitute. The dog had a bad episode tonight, but I was able to get him out of it and he's back to normal.

I am sure it's because he isn't eating that much that he has been getting these episodes more often.

I did get those strips, by the way, but I haven't gotten the meter yet.

[Behind the Aegis]

12. Blood panels aren't usually that expensive (I think ours was $35).

They may also not do certain tests if you are very clear as to what the problems/symptoms have been. It allows them to eliminate certain things. I wish you both luck.