? Any advice before I see the vet tomorrow?

Status
Not open for further replies.
SMM

SMM

Member Since 2017
I am hoping Martini's spreadsheet shows up with this post - my first attempt.
I know I should be doing more testing but it's like pulling teeth getting my husband to help me. I've tried alone, and even towels, me sitting on her do not help.
Can anyone see anything from these numbers alone? Any suggestion what to ask the vet?
Sincere thanks for any input anyone can give me.
 
You're getting some nice blues during the day but I suspect she's dropping lower at night and then bouncing up for the AM number. The dose itself might be OK but you need night time data to assess. Yes, it all comes down to the testing hurdle, I'm sorry to say. In the long run, you'll be much better off learning to do it alone. I'd post on the main health forum asking for testing help if you haven't done so already. Here are a few basics:
  1. a warm ear bleeds more easily - make a rice sock of put very warm tap water in a small bottle with a tight lid
  2. a larger gauge lancet (26 to 28 gauge) works better
  3. find a treat she loves and give them liberally around the testing process
  4. use the least amount of restraint possible.
 
Thanks Kris. We have 25 gauge lancets and I do warm a small bottle on her ear. She no longer likes any treats after the testing started - looks at me like "You Judas!" when I try any treat. The restraint is the really difficult part. She has learned if she keeps moving her head, flattening her ear and generally moving, she cannot be pricked easily. Normally she is so very calm.
I/we will keep trying, I love her so very much.
 
Furball didn't like being tested at first either. I picked one testing spot for her AMPS and PMPS test and took her there and gave her some loving first before I tested. Then I told her what a good girl she was and gave her more loving and treats after testing. After a little while, she looked forward to those tests times because of the loving.
 
Here is a post on testing and shooting tips. Maybe there is something in there that will help you. Are you testing in a small room where she can't move much? Some kitties are more fond of brushing or loving after a test. Maybe the vet or vet tech will have suggestions on how to help keep her head still when you test.
 
She's scared at the vet and they don't see any issue! ;) She gets love and brushes all the time too. I'll just have to persevere. Vet didn't like the early #'s, too much bounce, but now they seem to be staying more or less in the yellow. She said to wait a month on the 1 unit with occasional testing as every hour will prove little. Maybe an increase after. Curve at 2 weeks and the month. You are all so very helpful, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
 
Try breaking up her dinner into 2 parts - then when you give her the second portion, try testing her ear while she's eating. The before bed test is often one of the most revealing test because cats so often get their lowest numbers at night. If you can just get that one test every night it will go a long ways towards keeping her safe and also helping you know what to do with the dose.

The morning amps is often high because of Dawn Phenomenon.

I would disagree with your vet's lack of enthusiasm about home testing. It is more than worth it. There is no other way to know what a cat's blood sugar is doing except to test it. We've seen so many disasters here from kitties not getting tested - we're all enthusiastic supporters because it's the only way to keep your cat safe. Cats don't keep the same dose for long periods of time - they typically need more or less. Even human who can tell you what they feel still check their blood sugar multiple times daily. Cats can't tell you they feel funny - they rely on us to protect them.

Here is a good thread to help you find your way to information that we often use in this group: "Where Can I Find?"

Glad to have you and Martini here!
 
Oh, almost forgot - as you poke her ear it is stimulating the growth of new capillaries. At first everyone struggles to get blood tests, but after a few weeks of consistent poking you will get blood every time.

You might also consider testing on the bathroom counter.

I had to burrito wrap Punkin (youtube video how-to) in a bath towel for the first week or two, nice and tight like a little shrimp. He basically couldn't move when I had him bundled up with his arms pressed down against his chest. I always gave him a treat afterwards, and it wasn't long before he gave up and stopped fighting me. Then he got to like his chicken treat so much that he would come for me to test him. You'll get there.
 
Don't forget to put a little Neosporin Ointment with Pain Relief on her ear after each test and at night. This will help the ear to heal fast. I use a baby washcloth inside a plastic baggie to warm the ear: moisten the washcloth, microwave it for about 10 seconds, then put it in the baggie. It is nice and smooth (not rough and lumpy like the rice sock). And you can wrap it around the ear easily.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top