Hypoglycemia

                          ------------

                      General Information



In functional hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), the body is

temporarily unable to use stored reserves of sugar to meet sudden

increased demands for energy.  These increased needs may result

from emotional stress and excitement or vigorous exercise, such

as hunting or running.



Common signs of hypoglycemia are dizziness, fainting and

convulsions.  Often a hunting dog will faint or have a seizure

while running, recover spontaneously in a few minutes, and then

be lethargic the rest of the day.  Diagnosis is based on these

signs, plus blood sugar assays.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Prevention:



    ____Feed ____ small meals daily, consisting of





    ____Just before exercise, feed a meal of





    ____During exercise, give

    _________________________________________________



    every__________ hours or ____ times daily.



2.  Emergency treatment:  At the first sign of weakness, give

    sugar in the form of:





    Repeat every ____________________.  If the dog loses

    consciousness, take it to the nearest veterinarian.



3.  Management:  In addition to special dietary instructions,

    precondition hunting dogs for the season by regular

    progressive exercise, beginning at least 3 weeks before

    hunting season.



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet's seizures persist or become more severe.



    * Your pet has seizures in the absence of exercise or stress.



    * Your pet drinks more water or urinates more frequently than

    normal.



    * Your pet begins to lose weight.