It is important, as caregivers, to know what are the normal glucose levels in dogs, since it is one of the parameters that is always measure when we do an analysis. The blood draw can be done when our dog shows symptoms of illness but also as part of the routine check-up that is recommended for older dogs once or twice a year, with the aim of early detection of various diseases. In this article on our site we are going to focus on explaining the interpretation of glucose values in dogs in analytics.
Normal glucose values in dogs
Glucose is a sugar present in the blood. Normal blood glucose levels in dogs range between 88 and 120 mg/dl Values above or below these figures are associated with different pathologies, such as we will see in the following sections. When our dog shows symptoms of illness, it is very common for the veterinarian to draw blood to perform an analysis, in the same way that it is done in human medicine. In dogs, the sample is usually taken from the front legs although, on some occasions, blood can be taken from the hind legs or from the jugular (in the neck). In a basic exam we are going to distinguish two large sections, which are the following:
- CBC: Parameters such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets, or white blood cells are measured in this section. This will give us information about the presence or absence of anemia and, if there is, what type it is (regenerative or non-regenerative) or if our dog basically has an infection.
- Biochemistry – This is where the glucose measurement comes in.and other parameters that will give us information about the function of different organs such as the kidneys (creatinine and urea) or the liver (GOT or GPT).
When any of the elements analyzed is altered, that is, it is above or below its reference values, which will be normal for each species, our dog may show symptoms and, with the data from your clinical examination, blood tests and any other additional test that the veterinarian considers pertinent, we will arrive at a diagnosis.
Alterations in normal glucose levels in dogs
We could be facing a situation of hypoglycemia, with glucose values below 88 mg/dl, orhyperglycemia , which occurs when blood glucose exceeds 120 mg/dl. Each of these clinical situations will present different manifestations such as increased thirst, urination or weakness, as we will see in the following sections.
Dogs consume glucose with food and, therefore, after eating, their values rise in the blood, to decrease as time elapses from the meal. Glucose fulfills important functions in the body and intervenes by providing energy in metabolic processes. It is regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Without insulin or with a small amount we will have a picture of hyperglycemia that we know by the name of diabetes mellitus, as we will see. On the contrary, conditions such as insulinoma can cause hypoglycemia, as we will explain below.
High glucose in dogs: hyperglycemia
As we have said, normal glucose levels in dogs range between 88 and 120 mg/dl. When glucose exceeds this amount we speak of hyperglycemia, which may be due to different causes, diabetes being the best known, since it is a disease that also affects humans. Hyperadrenocorticism, known as Cushing's syndrome can also cause hyperglycemia, as can pancreatitis, the consumption of some medications such as glucocorticoids or even kidney failure
In this section we will delve into diabetes mellitus as a representative example of hyperglycemia. Diabetes can be type 1 or type 2 and it is a disease that we will find in dogs with relative frequency. It occurs somewhat more in females and especially after 6 years of age, which is why an annual check-up with blood and urine tests is so important as the dog ages. With this we can detect conditions early, even before symptoms appear. The cause of diabetes is inadequate production of insulin. This substance is what allows glucose to enter the cells in order to obtain energy for metabolism. Without insulin, the dog's blood glucose level will be higher than normal and, in addition, we will also have high urine glucose levels (glycosuria). The dog will produce more urine than was normal, which will dehydrate it and, consequently, will encourage it to drink more water. We can also see, in the initial phases, that our dog eats more, since it is as the disease progresses that he loses his appetite. Despite eating more, the dog loses weight. Increased urine output (polyuria), increased thirst (polydipsia), increased appetite and weight loss will constitute the first symptoms of diabetes.
As we have seen, a test can detect high levels of glucose in blood and urine. With advanced diabetes, the dog will be lethargic, without appetite, with vomiting, dehydration, cataracts, weakness and may even go into a coma. Once the diagnosis is made, the treatment will consist of insulin intake and a specific diet for these cases. The veterinarian will be in charge of establishing, according to the results of periodic measurements, the amounts of insulin that must be administered by injection, since the necessary dose will be different for each dog. To improve the effectiveness of the treatment, it is recommended to control the weight, therefore, it is also very important to control the diet. A strict schedule of meals and injections must be established and must be followed scrupulously.
Low glucose in dogs: hypoglycemia
If normal glucose levels in dogs are between 88 and 120 mg/dl, any value below 88 is indicative of hypoglycemia. We have seen in the previous section that dogs with diabetes are treated with insulin injections. Sometimes, a high dose can decompensate them and cause hypoglycemia. We will see that the dog seems disoriented, sleepy, staggers when he walks, convulses or even goes into a coma. Other times this drop in glucose in dogs is the result of overexertion, such as that which a hunting or racing dog can perform, which can also cause a comatose state and even death.
In puppies , especially in very small breeds, hypoglycaemia may occur, frequently as a consequence of stress such as that which can cause a transfer, but there may also be an underlying problem such as an infection or a liver shunt (abnormal veins that prevent blood from passing from the intestine to the liver, which is where they would have to remove toxins). The symptoms that these dogs will present are like those that we have already described.
Prolonged hypoglycemia can cause brain damage There are other causes of hypoglycemia such as insulinoma, but luckily it is a disorder infrequent. This type of tumor would secrete insulin, hence the drop in blood glucose in dogs. It occurs in older dogs. The presentation of any of the symptoms mentioned is reason for veterinary consultation. The administration of dextrose serum can restore normal blood glucose levels. We must also look for and solve, if possible, the cause of hypoglycemia.
How to measure glucose in dogs?
If we discover that our dog shows any symptoms compatible with diabetes, we must go to our reference veterinarian so that he can confirm the diagnosis. To do this, blood glucose levels are measured. In addition to elevated glucose compared to normal glucose levels in dogs, we can find other alterations in the analysis, depending on the severity of the condition. It is also important to fructosamine measurement, because it allows glucose parameters to be assessed in the 2-3 weeks prior to the extraction. With the diagnosis confirmed, insulin therapy will be started.
It is normal for our veterinarian to perform what is known as dog glucose curve, which consists of measuring it several times throughout the over an interval of 12-24 hours. With this information, the insulin dose will be adjusted, since it must be specific to each individual. Likewise, it is common for our veterinarian to teach us how to measure our dog's glucose at home, as it can be useful for disease control and medication adjustment. To achieve this, he will explain how to use the glucometer in dogs, which includes the following steps:
- For this measurement we need a drop of bloodfrom our dog that we are going to extract from his ear. For this, it is recommended that it be very hot, as this will facilitate the outflow of blood.
- We must prick him on the inside, in a clean and hairless area. For this we can use the needle or lancet indicated by our veterinarian.
- We will create a drop that we have to put on a reactive strip of those that come with the glucometer. We introduce the strip into it.
- With cotton or gauze we will press the puncture point so that the ear stops bleeding.
- The glucometer will show the number that corresponds to the amount of glucose in our dog's blood and that we must write down to take to our veterinarian.
- The veterinarian will be in charge of resolving any questions that may arise about the use of the glucometer.
It is important to point out that we will never use the glucometer in dogs to diagnose a disease ourselves and self-medicate the animal, since we could make a mistake and worsen its condition. These types of tools should always be a monitoring and control measure approved by the veterinarian. If the specialist determines that our dog has diabetes, it will be necessary to adapt its diet and for this we can consult the article on "Diet for dogs with diabetes".
