Hypophosphatemia related to DKA has been associated with hemolysis (in a cat) and seizures (in a dog)
. Additional clinical signs that may develop due to hypophosphatemia include weakness, myocardial depression, and arrhythmias.
Can low insulin cause seizures in dogs?
Clinical signs of hypoglycemia
The clinical signs may vary, are often non-specific, and can wax and wane.
Clinical signs may include altered mentation and behavior, seizures, syncope, muscle twitching/fasciculations, somnolence, exercise intolerance, muscle tremors, collapse, ataxia, weakness, and impaired vision
.
Does DKA cause seizure?
Their etiology is varied, but a lowered seizure threshold, electrolyte disturbances and serious neurological complications of DKA such as cerebral edema must all be considered.
Sudden severe hypocapnia may represent a rare contributor to seizure during the treatment of DKA
.
What do I do if my diabetic dog has a seizure?
If your pet is unconscious or having a seizure, this is a medical emergency.
CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN
. In the meantime, you should immediately treat your pet rather than delaying management. Pour a small amount of a sugar solution (eg, corn syrup) onto your finger and then rub the sugar solution onto your pet’s gums.
What does a diabetic seizure look like?
To recognize a diabetic seizure, look for symptoms such as
staring into space, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of consciousness, or uncontrollable body movements
.
Can untreated diabetes in dogs cause seizures?
Many owners don’t realize diabetes can affect pets too, and often have many questions when they learn their dog or cat is diabetic.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to seizures
, a coma, or death. The disease can also lead to other health problems over time.
What are the warning signs of a diabetic coma?
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Stomach pain.
- Fruity breath odor.
- A very dry mouth.
What’s a diabetic seizure?
A diabetic seizure
occurs when the sugar levels in the blood are extremely low (below 30 mg/dL)
. The brain needs glucose to function properly. When there is a drop in blood sugar, the actions of the neurons in the brain decrease and the person experiences a seizure.
Are seizures a complication of diabetes?
Both epilepsy and diabetes can cause people to have seizures
. Diabetic seizure symptoms include: Sweating. Confusion.
What can trigger a seizure in a dog?
- Epilepsy.
- Heat Exhaustion.
- Nutritional imbalances such as thiamine deficiency.
- Low blood sugar levels.
- Liver disease.
- Tumors.
Should I put my dog down if he has seizures?
If your dog only experiences one seizure and is otherwise healthy, then you don’t need to consider putting it down
. However, if your dog is having multiple seizures and does not respond well to treatment, then euthanasia may be the best decision for both you and your pet.
Can high blood sugar cause seizures?
Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar. Although it’s a common complication of diabetes, hyperglycemia can happen to anyone.
If left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to hyperglycemia-related seizures
.
Did my dog have a seizure?
What Are the Symptoms of Seizures? Symptoms can include
collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth
. Dogs can fall to the side and make paddling motions with their legs. They sometimes poop or pee during the seizure.
How is DKA treated in dogs?
Generally, dogs diagnosed with ketoacidosis (if they are sick with symptoms) are hospitalized and placed on
intravenous fluid therapy
to reverse dehydration and ensure adequate fluids in the tissues. Short-acting insulin is given to bring the blood sugar level down quickly.
What happens after a diabetic seizure?
People experiencing hypoglycemia often experience headaches, dizziness, sweating, shaking, and a feeling of anxiety. When a person experiences diabetic shock, or severe hypoglycemia, they may
lose consciousness, have trouble speaking, and experience double vision
.
Can insulin cause seizures?
Abstract. Hypoglycaemia, common in diabetic patients treated with insulin, can induce various neurological disturbances. Of these,
seizures are the most common acute symptom, mainly of the generalised tonic-clonic type, with focal events only exceptionally being reported and documented.
What are the symptoms of too much insulin in dogs?
- Very quiet and inappetent.
- Hunger.
- Restlessness.
- Shivering.
- Ataxia.
- Disorientation.
- Convulsions and coma.
What causes diabetic shock in dogs?
Because of the excessively elevated glucose level, even more urine will be made and the dog will become dehydrated due to the loss of fluid. This combination of
very high blood sugar and dehydration
will eventually affect the brain’s ability to function normally, leading to depression, seizures and coma.
When should I put my diabetic dog down?
If your total score is above 35, then your dog’s quality of life is acceptable.
If, however, your score is below 35
, you should consider euthanasia. Also remember to always discuss your options with your vet to make sure you are making the right decision, regardless of the quality of life scale assessment.
Can DKA cause brain damage?
Brain injury in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is common but under recognized and affects up to 54% of patients with this complication
. It’s manifestations include cerebral oedema (CE) and cerebral infarction (CI).
Why does DKA cause confusion?
Diabetic ketoacidosis affects the brain, making it work through what feels like mental “sludge,” according to Dr. Christofides. Confusion and irritability are major signs to watch out for.
As a result of your brain swelling
, DKA can make you feel as if you’re drunk and act just as irrationally.
How does DKA lead to coma?
Diabetic ketoacidosis coma
This type of coma is
triggered by the build-up of chemicals called ketones
. Ketones are strongly acidic and cause the blood to become too acidic. When there is not enough insulin circulating, the body cannot use glucose for energy.
Do diabetic seizures cause brain damage?
Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can trigger a diabetic coma, which causes life-threatening brain damage if left untreated. In addition,
extremely low blood sugar can cause a diabetic seizure, which can also result in brain damage
.
