 | Dr. Laura Morland graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 with a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Dr. Morland is very involved in her community. She has four children and two grandchildren. In her spare time she enjoys raising Yorkies, Cairns and Maltese, and being a grandma. Dr. Morland may be reached at 620-724-8054 or visit www.girardanimalhospital.com. |
Pets
2012-03-23 11:13:53
What is Hunting Dog Hypoglycemia and how should it be treated?
A: Hypoglycemia in dogs is a sudden drop in glucose levels generally while hunting due to the extreme exertion of high amounts of energy. Symptoms of hypoglycemia in hunting dogs can be mild which include fatigue to severe leading to seizures and confusion. The dog’s body to gain energy breaks down and uses the carbohydrates and glucose stored in the body. When there is not enough glucose, hypoglycemia is the result which can then cause weakness or even seizures. Sometimes the hypoglycemia in hunting dogs is associated with dogs that are infrequently hunted and thought to be out of condition but that is not always the case as well exercised dogs will exhibit seizure activity. It is not felt that this problem is hereditary.
In most cases hunting dog hypoglycemia can be controlled by feeding small meals or treats during the hunt. Examples would be peanut butter and honey sandwiches, nutritional bars, carbohydrate containing sports drinks or just plain honey. It may be also important to carbohydrate load for the two days before a hunt with additional complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and lean meats. The idea is to make glycogen (the form that the body stores sugar in) so that glucose is available in times of need.
When the dog is actually having a seizure due to hypoglycemia it is much better to use simple sugars to provide the glucose he needs-corn syrup, sugar syrups like pancake syrup, honey, and fruit juices. I hope this answered your question.
