How much is his ear supposed to bleed?

[Ashley & Harry]

Hi, I have a quick question. I've been testing my cat's blood lately and usually when I prick his ear it only bleeds a little bit. This results in me barely being able to get enough blood to test, if even that, and sometimes I have to try again. Most recently, it bled a lot more than usual, and I don't know why. It was much easier to test but I feel terrible for it. How much is it supposed to bleed when I test him?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Hi, I have a quick question. I've been testing my cat's blood lately and usually when I prick his ear it only bleeds a little bit. This results in me barely being able to get enough blood to test, if even that, and sometimes I have to try again. Most recently, it bled a lot more than usual, and I don't know why. It was much easier to test but I feel terrible for it. How much is it supposed to bleed when I test him?

If you hit the tiny vein near the edge of the ear it will bleed a lot more. Just hold the ear between thumb and forefinger with a little pressure for 15 seconds or so and it will help stop the bleeding and prevent bruising. No harm done.

 

[Squalliesmom]

When we test the ear, we aim for the narrow strip between the edge of the ear and the vein that runs down the outside of the ear; that's where the capillaries we want are. If it doesn't bleed enough for yoy to get a good sample you can gently press the ear, kind of milking the blood to well up a bit more. If it bleeds a lot you have probably poked the vein rather than the capillaries, no big deal, but it will bleed more copiously.

 

[Ashley & Harry]

Thank you. I usually go for the area I've seen referred to as the "sweet spot" but generally I just get a little tiny drop and it's not enough. That time was weird though, I'll look at his ear to see where I hit it. Much appreciated!

 

[FelineFriend]

are you heating his ear? that helps it bleed more freely. i use a mini beanbag and heat in microwave (not too hot!) then hold it inside the ear while stroking the outside of ear from bottom to top. my cat actually enjoys this part and purrs, until i get the lancet ready