Trouble testing

[Susan G & Jimmy G]

Jimmy started insulin 3 days ago - each day we have tried to test his BG. First time, not enought blood. Second time we got a bad reading and I don't think I "let the strip sip" the blood correctly. Tonight is attempt #3. I've heard of the vasoline tip - how exactly do I do that? Put it on while warming up his ear? I don't want to prolong the testing any longer - but I don't want to have to take the muzzle route. So far with the no fuss approach to the insulin is working out well. I'd like it to be the same with the testing and not resort to the muzzle. Ideas? Advice? Thanks.

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Here's a video one of the members made. Peanut is an exceptionally good patient. If Jimmy is not as calm, we can still help with tips . Also, a lot of us don't use the clicker function like Sieden does but it works for her and Peanut. If you use vaseline or neosporin, just put a thin layer where you want to poke. It helps the blood bead up better. Ask if you need anymore help

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I've never heard of testing BG on the muzzle in cats. That would be very sensitive I think. Some people use a paw pad.

 

[Susan G & Jimmy G]

To clarify - it's a muzzle that goes over the face, leaves holes for nose and ears. That was going to Plan C - worse case scenario. But he was relatively calm and patient with me. I also used the lancet as it was meant to be used, rather than trying to poke manually. After watching that video above - I also made a rice sock and voila. Blood and reading a success. THANK YOU - this forum is really helpful. This is new to me - so now I need to get my head wrapped around the numbers, curves, etc. We'll get there Jimmy!

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

What worked for me with two cats. Don't surprise them, start slow by rubbing the ear between thumb and forefinger. That's supposed to be an endorphin release. I take a bit of paper towel to prop up the back of the ear, strip in the meter, then a little poke. If you get it just right there's very little pain. I go for the shortest lancets I can get; used to use a 33 gauge but that would often go right through, now I use a 29 gauge. I know it seems tragic right now but I've done this through screaming migraines, just home from surgery, broken bones etc. Don't get freaked, Jimmy will pick up on that. Now when I come to Noah I just thump his basket and he goes right in. He knows it won't be pleasant but he also knows, somehow, that this has to happen and HE TRUSTS ME! Give Jimmy a reason to trust you.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

How did it go last night and this morning?

 

[Susan G & Jimmy G]

Better - thank you. The rice sock is a key factor. I am motivating him with some ham - but he is starting to associate the two in a good way. I have also been doing some clicker training with the bits of ham and the microlet. So far so good. I just need to get a little more adept at keeping cool having everything prepped and nearby. Esp the meter - I tend to get panicky after the prick. But I got a solid reading last night (77) and a PS reading this morning (150). No AM injection today - I will take a ready mid-day and see what it reads. Over 200 he gets 1 unit - if under, it will be an insulin free day for him.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Does this sound familiar? We take the cat home, stare at the cat, stare at each other, test the cat, test him again to see what happens, there's the cat running down the hallway with a syringe hanging off him. That was Noah's brother Nigel who became a poster child for good behavior. Nigel also enjoyed riding in cars and loved our vet. (He seemed to enjoy his enema a bit too much as well). One day you'll be laughing at yourself when you look back at this. We're your new best friends! Just like a sad dating site, "I hope you have a diabetic cat and kids". Every day will get a little easier and there's always someone here.
Ooops, forgot to include a current photo to demonstrate my sincerity.

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

I just need to get a little more adept at keeping cool having everything prepped and nearby. Esp the meter - I tend to get panicky after the prick.

What I do is partially insert the test strip, not to activate the meter, get the poke done. When I see the blood drop starting to form, I push the strip in to activate meter and grab the sample. This way I don't feel rushed . While waiting for test result, I firmly hold his ear where I poked to stop bleeding (also helps reduce bruising), write down the number, stare into space for a few more seconds, then let him down for his treat

 

[Susan G & Jimmy G]

Yep - and I had great success this evening. I tested him alone (no helper) and used the vasoline this time too. What a difference. Without it - it was absorbing right into his fur and I was looking for the blood - which usually ended up on my fingers. Low and behold he was back up for 295 (no shot this am/he was 151). So gave him 1 unit. Will be checking him again in the am....and so it goes.

 

[Sieden]

To clarify - it's a muzzle that goes over the face, leaves holes for nose and ears. That was going to Plan C - worse case scenario. But he was relatively calm and patient with me. I also used the lancet as it was meant to be used, rather than trying to poke manually. After watching that video above - I also made a rice sock and voila. Blood and reading a success. THANK YOU - this forum is really helpful. This is new to me - so now I need to get my head wrapped around the numbers, curves, etc. We'll get there Jimmy!

YAY, another happy customer

 

[Sieden]

What I do is partially insert the test strip, not to activate the meter, get the poke done. When I see the blood drop starting to form, I push the strip in to activate meter and grab the sample. This way I don't feel rushed . While waiting for test result, I firmly hold his ear where I poked to stop bleeding (also helps reduce bruising), write down the number, stare into space for a few more seconds, then let him down for his treat

I go ahead and put the strip into the meter because it takes a full 2 or 3 minutes for the meter to shut off and that's longer than you think. I warm up the ear, put the strip in the machine, poke the ear and by the time I have blood I'm getting a beep so I have 2 minutes to grab the machine and get the sample. If you let go of the ear you take a chance on the car shaking their head and trust me, blood will go flying, I have had it on my face lol.