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 .A values above or below These figures are associated with different pathologies, as we will see in the following sections.When our dog shows symptoms of disease, it is very common for the veterinarian to draw blood for an analysis, in the same way as in human medicine.The sample is usually taken from the front legs although, on some occasions, blood can be drawn from the hind legs or jugular (in the neck).In a basic examination we will distinguish two large sections, which are the following:
- Hemogram : This section measures parameters such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets or leukocytes.This will give us information about the presence or absence of anemia and, if there is, what type is (regenerative or non-regenerative) or if our dog suffers an infection, basically.
- Biochemistry : this is where the glucose measurement and other parameters that are going to give us information on the function of the different organs such as the kidneys (creatinine and urea) or the liver (GOT or GPT).
When any of the analyzed elements is altered, that is, it is presented by above or below its reference values, which will be normal for each species, our dog can manifest symptoms and, with the data of his clinical examination, blood test and any other additional test that the veterinarian considers relevant, We will reach a diagnosis.
Alterations in normal glucose levels in dogs
We may be faced with a situation of hypoglycemia , with glucose values below 88 mg/dl, or hyperglycemia , which will occur when blood glucose exceeds 120 mg/dl.Ca One of these clinical situations will present different manifestations such as increased thirst, urine or weakness, as we will see in the following sections.
Dogs consume glucose with food and, therefore, after eating their values They rise in blood, to decrease as time goes by from the meal.Glucose fulfills important functions in the body and intervenes providing energy in the 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 under the name of diabetes mellitus , as we will see.On the contrary, conditions such as insulinoma can cause us a picture of 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 talk about 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, just like pancreatitis , the consumption of some medications such as glucocorticoids or even kidney failure .
In this section we will deepen the diabetes mellitus as a representative example of hyperglycemia.Diabetes can be type 1 or type 2 and is a disease that we will find in dogs with relative frequency.Something more occurs in females and especially from 6 years of age, That's why an annual review with blood and urine analytics is so important e the dog is turning years old.With this we can detect conditions early, even before symptoms occur.The cause of diabetes is an inadequate production of insulin.This substance is what allows glucose to enter the cells with the objective to get energy for metabolism.Without insulin, the dog's blood glucose level will be higher than normal and, in addition, we will also have high levels of glucose in the urine (glycosuria ).The dog is going to produce more urine than was normal, which will dehydrate it and, consequently, will encourage you to drink more water.We can also see, in the initial stages, that our dog eats more, since it is according to the disease progresses when is losing appetite.Despite eating more, the dog slims.Increased urine excreted (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), increased appetite and weight loss will be the first symptoms of diabetes.
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