Testing gets easier, right?

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EmilyH

EmilyH

Member Since 2016
OK, we're two successful tests in so far - last night and this morning. Last night took 2 tries because *I* flubbed it up the first time - Cosmo was a rock star. This morning... was a little rougher. We got it, but not on the first try. Or second. Or third. Let's just say he got a FABULOUS treat when we were done and lots of "Good boy!" ;)

I know it gets easier and will soon be smooth. He doesn't like having the cotton by his ear. Or me pricking him. And he hates having the meter next to him. He loves his treat. He's such a trooper. It's hard for me because he's all black, and blood hides really well in black fur, and I have awful lighting, so trying to finagle things so I can see better until we're more comfortable.

I just have to remind myself that I just did 3 months of subcutaneous fluid with his brother, and after the first 2 successful times with him, the third time I ended up breaking down and SOBBING because I couldn't get it. But then we became experts.

We'll get back at it this evening. Whew!
(Thanks for letting me cry a little. lol)
 
Testing will get easier too :). Is it the meter itself or do you have the beep turned on? Most meter's you can turn off the sounds. Instead of cotton balls you could try cotton cosmetic rounds. Maury's not to fond of too much of the tissue covering the inside of his ear when I go to put pressure on his poke spot, I think it makes them hear funny so they're like "why do things sound weird suddenly?" :p. You can also use a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to help the blood form a bead so it doesn't run into the fur. ;)
 
Yong said:
Testing will get easier too :). Is it the meter itself or do you have the beep turned on? Most meter's you can turn off the sounds. Instead of cotton balls you could try cotton cosmetic rounds. Maury's not to fond of too much of the tissue covering the inside of his ear when I go to put pressure on his poke spot, I think it makes them hear funny so they're like "why do things sound weird suddenly?" :p. You can also use a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to help the blood form a bead so it doesn't run into the fur. ;)
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It is the meter itself. But I think you're right about the cotton (I do use a round) affecting his ears/hair... the meter may be tickling his hair, too. He's a maine coon, so lots of fluff.

Question: Do you mean to put the Neosporin on, THEN prick?
 
Maury is half Maine Coon so he has the fluffier ears too :). Yup, just a thin layer of it before and or after prick. Once you get blood sample and firmly hold the poke spot for a few seconds, the Neosporin helps heal the ears too.
 
Yong said:
Maury is half Maine Coon so he has the fluffier ears too :). Yup, just a thin layer of it before and or after prick. Once you get blood sample and firmly hold the poke spot for a few seconds, the Neosporin helps heal the ears too.
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Those Maine Coons are trouble! ;)
OK, today we're trying Neosporin first - we'll see what that brings!
 
I use a headlamp to give a well lit view of the ear when testing. It's easier to see where to prick, and the light reflects off the blood to zero in on it. Welcome!
 
Yong said:
Maury is half Maine Coon so he has the fluffier ears too :). Yup, just a thin layer of it before and or after prick. Once you get blood sample and firmly hold the poke spot for a few seconds, the Neosporin helps heal the ears too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this tip @Yong! I don't know if it helped him or his ears or not, but it's like it gave ME a target to shoot for. ;)

I also figured out that the treat for doing this can't be anywhere near where we test. He's already made the connection and goes crazy looking for his goodies! Not so great when you're trying to stab someone. ;)
 
EmilyH said:
Thanks for this tip @Yong! I don't know if it helped him or his ears or not, but it's like it gave ME a target to shoot for. ;)

I also figured out that the treat for doing this can't be anywhere near where we test. He's already made the connection and goes crazy looking for his goodies! Not so great when you're trying to stab someone. ;)
Click to expand...
You'll find your groove and what works best for the two of you.
 
Yong said:
Maury is half Maine Coon so he has the fluffier ears too :). Yup, just a thin layer of it before and or after prick. Once you get blood sample and firmly hold the poke spot for a few seconds, the Neosporin helps heal the ears too.
Click to expand...

The neosporin wont affect the reading or anything? I usually use coconut oil of my pet when they have scraps or scratches . Could i use that still?
 
EmilyH said:
OK, we're two successful tests in so far - last night and this morning. Last night took 2 tries because *I* flubbed it up the first time - Cosmo was a rock star. This morning... was a little rougher. We got it, but not on the first try. Or second. Or third. Let's just say he got a FABULOUS treat when we were done and lots of "Good boy!" ;)

I know it gets easier and will soon be smooth. He doesn't like having the cotton by his ear. Or me pricking him. And he hates having the meter next to him. He loves his treat. He's such a trooper. It's hard for me because he's all black, and blood hides really well in black fur, and I have awful lighting, so trying to finagle things so I can see better until we're more comfortable.

I just have to remind myself that I just did 3 months of subcutaneous fluid with his brother, and after the first 2 successful times with him, the third time I ended up breaking down and SOBBING because I couldn't get it. But then we became experts.

We'll get back at it this evening. Whew!
(Thanks for letting me cry a little. lol)[/Q

Ive been doing it for almost a week now and thought finally getting the hang of it , then this am i had to prick him 3xs before i could get blood. (sorry Rocky). I found for us it helps when i rub his ears hold them for a few seconds so they warm up a little, ive also read on here some ppl warm up rice socks hold them to kitties ear first . After the 1st couple shots Rocky would tuck his ears in but he now lays down and lets me do it .
Click to expand...
 
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