Can dogs have hypoglycemia?

[Crowe]

Can dogs have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)? If they can have diabetes, can the have the opposite? KampingKris' comments about her dog being unpredictable at times got me thinking of some dog's behavior occurs when they are experiencing low blood sugar. I know what I'm like when it happens to me! (No, I don't bite!). Just curious if this could be the cause of some erratic behavior.

[MainerBob]

After our Standard Poodle had two serious episodes of hypoglycemia including seizures she was diagnosed with Atypical Addison's Disease. 8.3% of Standards have it and it is hereditary. The adrenal glands stop secreting glucocorticoids which control blood sugar and therefore insulin secretion. With low blood sugar seizures occur. She now gets predisone every morning and we keep honey or maple syrup close by in case of a seizure. We just put some under her tongue and off to the vet. Eventually the adrenals will also stop secreting mineralocorticoids as well and there is an injection for that. Meanwhile she is 8 and wonderful and we love her.

MainerBob

[Crowe]

Hmmm. Vewy intewesting! Thanks!

[Dog_Folks]

Yes, and that is why any change in behavior needs a good exam by a vet.

[Beartoo]

Yes they can.

[dturm]

Very common in small, toy, miniature breed very young puppies. Not very common in older animals unless some medical condition exists.

Doug, DVM

[BIKERK9]

Yes they can, pups and adults. http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-hypoglycemia-low-blood-sugar