Question

Signs of neo-natal hypoglycemia in piglets occur when the blood glucose levels falls to about

• A. 50 mg/dL
• B. 80 mg/dL
• C. 120 mg/dL
• D. 180 mg/dL

Hint:

Piglet Hypoglycemia: Clinical signs (shivering, coma, paddling) trigger when blood glucose falls below $50\text{ mg/dL}$. Treat immediately with intraperitoneal $5\%$ glucose at $38^\circ\text{C}$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Neonatal porcine carbohydrate homeostasis: newborn piglets possess minimal hepatic glycogen reserves and low gluconeogenic enzyme activity, developing clinical hypoglycemic neuroglycopenia when glucose drops below 50 mg/dL.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Normal Piglet Glucose: } 90 - 120\text{ mg/dL} \quad | \quad \text{Clinical Hypoglycemia Threshold: } < 50\text{ mg/dL} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Pathophysiology of Baby Pig Hypoglycemia (Baby Pig Disease):
- Normal blood glucose in healthy suckling piglets ranges from $90\text{ to } 120\text{ mg/dL}$.
- Piglets are born with minimal body fat reserves ($< 1\%$) and hepatic glycogen reserves that deplete within 12--18 hours of birth.
- When chilled or starved (lactation failure/agalactia in sow), blood glucose plunges rapidly.
- Clinical neuroglycopenic signs (shivering, hypothermia, weakness, coma, and convulsions) appear when blood glucose falls below 50 mg/dL (severe critical threshold $< 35 - 40\text{ mg/dL}$).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, signs of neonatal hypoglycemia occur when glucose falls to about 50 mg/dL, matching option (A).