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Kitten Hypoglycemia: Symptoms, Causes, and Care for Low Blood Sugar
Low Blood Sugar
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
SEVERITY:
- Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
- Resolves within hours after medical treatment in simple cases
- Treatable by a veterinarian, by the pet parent
- Provide regular meals and adequate nutrition
- Transmission is not possible between animals and not possible between animals and people
- Diagnosis requires physical exam, blood work, ultrasound
VERY COMMON IN
Symptoms & Signs
A kitten with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) will lack energy. Kittens need glucose to function and perform any task. Glucose is the fuel the body burns for energy; without it the kitten is listless. Pet parents will notice that their kitten may start by being sluggish and have no interest in moving or eating and they may seem very weak. In severe instances, kittens may have seizures, since glucose is necessary for the brain tissue and muscles to function. These hypoglycemic episodes will cause kittens to fall over and appear weak or comatose.
Diagnosis
Normal kittens should have abundant energy other than when they are napping, so a change in their energy level should be alarming. Your veterinarian will begin with a physical examination of your kitten and a blood glucose blood check to determine the blood glucose level. Your veterinarian may also recommend other tests if they suspect a more serious underlying cause of hypoglycemia. This may include checking a blood chemistry for liver function and an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the anatomy of the liver and small intestine.
Causation
Glucose is the form of sugar found within the bloodstream. Glucose is formed during the digestion of foods and it can be stored within the liver in a storage form called glycogen. Most instances of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in the kitten are the result of inadequate nutrition, either not enough or poor quality (indigestible) food. The severity of the hypoglycemia depends on the extent of the lack of blood sugar. If it is due to lack of food, it can be easily corrected. If the underlying cause is more serious, such as liver disease preventing the storage of glycogen, or intestinal disease preventing the proper digestion and absorption of food, then hypoglycemia may be chronic and life threatening.
Treatments
AT-HOME CARE
If you suspect your kitten is suffering from hypoglycemia, you can try to rub Karo syrup of honey on their gums while you are on your way to the vet to boost their glucose level.
SUPPORTIVE CARE
None
MEDICATIONS
Depending on the severity of the hypoglycemia, your kitten may need intravenous (IV) dextrose to return the blood glucose to a normal level.
DEVICES
None
SURGERY
None
SPECIALISTS
A general practice veterinarian can diagnose and treat hypoglycemia.
Cost Of Treatment
Most cases of kitten hypoglycemia can be treated for less than $300. In cases where there is liver or intestinal disease, costs may increase.
Recovery
If hypoglycemia is caused by inadequate nutrition or overexertion, full recovery is possible once the nutritional needs are met. Kittens with underlying liver or intestinal conditions may be at risk for additional hypoglycemic episodes.
Monitoring
Kittens should have their blood glucose levels checked every 1-2 hours until they remain stable and can eat on their own. Once this is accomplished, your veterinarian will recommend a monitoring schedule based on the suspected cause of the hypoglycemia.
Prevention
Provide meals at regular intervals and adequate nutrition.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. Treatment should only be provided under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.