Hypoglycemia in Cats

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a very common condition in cats. According to Dr. Debra Primovic, hypoglycemia occurs when a cat's blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dL. Under normal circumstances, your cat will not show symptoms until its blood sugar falls below 50 mg/dL.

Causes

Hypoglycemia in cats can be caused by a number of conditions, according to Dr. Debra Primovic. These can include diabetes, liver disease, tumors or bacterial infections.

Symptoms

Intense hunger, shaking, confusion and disorientation are common symptoms of hypoglycemia in cats, according to BD, the maker of insulin products for cats. Severe cases of hypoglycemia may cause seizures or unconsciousness.

Tests

Your veterinarian can determine if your cat is hypoglycemic by running blood tests that measure blood glucose. Dr. Primovic also notes that ultrasounds may be required to determine if the hypoglycemia is caused by a tumor.

Treatment

Your vet may recommend regular insulin injections to treat hypoglycemia in your cat, according to BD. If the condition is caused by a disease or tumor, your vet will likely need to treat the underlying condition.

Prevention

Some cases of hypoglycemia can be prevented by feeding your cat on a regular schedule. If you suspect your cat has hypoglycemia, Dr. Primovic recommends rubbing a high-fructose corn syrup on his gums and taking him to the vet as soon as possible.

Resources

• PetPlace.com: About Hypoglycemia in Cats
• BD: Symptoms of Hypoglycemia in Cats