Simons Poodles

Symptoms:

Hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar is a condition in which there is a drastic, sudden dropping in the level of blood sugar in the puppy. It is a puppy disease most often seen in toy breed puppies and usually not seen in puppies over twelve weeks of age. It is most likely caused by the uneven spurts in growth of the internal organs of the puppy, especially the pancreas. The brain will receive incorrect signals from the pancreas and not send out a correct signal for the release of a proper amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Signs of an attack are a weakness, confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth – sometimes even a seizure and drain of blood from the head. A check of the gums will show them to be pale, almost a grayish white in color rather than a healthy bright pink. The puppy can go into shock and, if not cared for properly and promptly, may even die.

Causes:

Hypoglycemia can be an inherited condition. If a female has been hypoglycemic, it’s likely that she will pass it on to her puppies. For the young pup prone to this condition, even a brief period of fasting in a toy breed puppy can trigger a hypoglycemic “attack”, Any significant stress, such as a routine trip to the vet’s, that occurs in the absence of a recent meal, can cause the blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. Low environmental temperatures, infections, vaccinations, strenuous exercise, and inadequate nutrition increase the risk even further.

Treatment:

Feeding recommendations for puppies at risk for hypoglycemia include: frequent (4-5 times a day) feedings of high-carbohydrate, high -protein and/or -fat foods. Feeding soft moist foods may help to prevent a hypoglycemia attack due to the high sugar content. Gatorade mixed with a little honey, Ringers lactate with dextrose or Pedialyte are good products to use if dog is having an attack. These products have electrolytes, which ailing puppies need. Honey and corn syrup can be used also. For pups that have had recurrent or prolonged signs, monitoring the urine for ketones with a “dipstick” made for diabetics is helpful, since a return to “ketone negative status” signals a return to normalcy. If these measures don’t correct the problem, a trip to the vet is recommended. Intravenous feedings may be necessary and the vet will need to check the puppy for more serious problems.

From the book “How to Buy and Raise a good healthy Dog” by Terri Shumsky

Mix in a saucepan and cook to pudding consistency, or divide recipe in half for a smaller quantity:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups milk, or 1 can evaporated milk with equal parts water to make a quart
• 4 egg yolks
• 3 teaspoons vanilla

Feed with a syringe, spoon, or in a bowl, or spread on top of soft food. Full of protein and very nourishing (has never caused diarrhea).

A Breeder (with a capital B) is one who thirsts for knowledge and never really knows it all, one who wrestles with decisions of conscience, convenience, and commitment. One that shares this knowledge and guides those interested.

A Breeder is one who sacrifices personal interests, finances, time, friendships, fancy furniture, and deep pile carpeting! She gives up the dreams of a long luxurious cruise in favor of turning that all important show into this year’s “vacation”.

The Breeder goes without sleep in hours spent planning a breeding or watching anxiously over the birth process, and afterwards, over every little wiggle or cry.

The Breeder skips dinner parties because that litter is due or the babies have to be fed at eight. She disregards birth fluids and puts mouth to mouth, to save a gasping newborn, literally blowing life into a tiny helpless creature that may be the culmination of a lifetime of dreams.

A Breeder’s lap is a marvelous place where dogs of proud and noble heritage often snooze.

A Breeder’s hands are strong and firm and often soiled, but ever so gentle and sensitive to the thrusts of a puppy’s wet nose.

A Breeder’s back and knees are usually arthritic from bending and sitting in the whelping box, but are strong enough to guide that new little pup to maturity.

A Breeder’s shoulders are often heaped with responsibility, but they’re wide enough to support the weight of a thousand defeats and frustrations.

A Breeder’s arms are always able to wield a mop, supports an armful of puppies, or lends a helping hand to a newcomer.

A Breeder’s ears are wondrous things, sometimes red (from being talked about), or strangely shaped (from being pressed against a phone receiver). Often deaf to criticism, yet always fine tuned to the whimper of an anxious puppy.

A Breeder’s brain is foggy on faces, but can recall pedigrees faster than an IBM computer.

The Breeder’s heart is often broken, but it beats strongly with hope everlasting…….and it’s always in the right place! Oh, yes, there are breeders, and then, there are Breeders!!!

Author Unknown

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this–The Last Battle–can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they will tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We’ve been so close–we two–these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears….

Author Unknown