What is Veterinary Blood Glucose Levels?

Veterinary Blood Glucose


Just like humans, glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, is the primary source of energy for pets. It is vital for cellular metabolism and overall health. Maintaining healthy and balanced blood glucose levels is important for dogs and cats. Testing blood glucose helps veterinarians diagnose and monitor conditions related to glucose metabolism.

What are normal blood glucose levels?
The normal range of blood glucose levels may vary slightly between veterinary labs and also depends on whether the animal is fasting or not. In general, here are the normal reference ranges:

- Dogs (fasting): 70-120 mg/dL
- Dogs (non-fasting): 80-140 mg/dL
- Cats (fasting): 75-140 mg/dL
- Cats (non-fasting): 80-180 mg/dL

Measuring Veterinary Blood Glucose provides vets with valuable insight into a pet's overall health and helps diagnose related medical conditions. Maintaining levels within the normal range is crucial.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia, characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels, can occur in pets due to various reasons like lack of food intake, liver disease, insulinoma (a pancreatic tumor) and certain medications. Clinical signs can include weakness, seizures, pale gums, vomiting and confusion. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and providing supplemental dextrose or foods to raise blood sugar levels. Untreated hypoglycemia can progress to coma.

Diabetes Mellitus
This metabolic disorder results in high blood glucose levels when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin, an important hormone required to transport sugar into cells. Diabetes is very common in cats and can also affect dogs. Clinical signs include excessive thirst, urination, weight loss despite good appetite and lethargy. Treatment options for pets include insulin injections, oral medications and careful diabetic diet management. Left unmanaged, it can cause many serious health complications.

Monitoring Blood Glucose at Home
Owners of diabetic pets need to regularly monitor blood glucose levels at home to effectively manage the disease. Veterinarians prescribe glucometers and test strips calibrated for animal use. Blood is usually taken from a small nick made in the inner ear or use a special lancet. Home testing helps owners gauge insulin dose needs and provides a snapshot of how diet and medications affect levels. It allows adjustment of treatment as needed. Together with the vet, this key monitoring tool helps improve pet's quality of life.

Nutrition and Exercise Considerations
A balanced diet tailored to a pet's needs plays an important role in keeping glucose levels in check. For example, weight management through portion control and activity is important since excess weight can negatively impact insulin sensitivity. Several high-quality commercial prescription diets are now available for pets with diabetes, obesity or other metabolic disorders. Limited access to treats and table scraps is also recommended as unscheduled feastings can disrupt levels. Meanwhile, regular light exercise helps utilize glucose and provides cardiovascular benefits to overall health.

Preventive care is key. Though blood sugar disorders can develop due to genetic predisposition in dogs, creating a nourishing lifestyle through nutrition, exercise and veterinary guidance helps minimize future risks. Owners should also be educated on recognizing early clinical signs so conditions are promptly addressed. With proper care and management, affected pets are now living happily for many years with improved glucose balance.


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