Diagnosis and management of preparturient hypoglycemia in a Great Dane bitch

Abstract

Normally, during pregnancy, progesterone acts as a potent insulin antagonist and results in hyperglycaemia; therefore, it is very rare for a bitch to become hypoglycaemic. A 4-year-old Great Dane pregnant bitch was presented because of severe weakness and dystocia. Despite various treatments such as the administration of calcium gluconate and oxytocin by the referring veterinarian, the dog remained lethargic and recumbent. On initial laboratory tests, the only abnormality was marked hypoglycaemia. Within few minutes following administration of intravenous Dextrose, the dog became alert, bright and was able to stand. Parturition occurred 40 min after administration of Dextrose, and the dog delivered live, healthy pups. There are only four cases of preparturient hypoglycaemia in dogs in the veterinary literature. All prior cases were small breed dogs. The present report is unique because it describes hypoglycaemia in a pregnant Great Dane.