Discouraged trying to test Rocky :(

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Paula and Rocky

Paula and Rocky

Member Since 2020
I've tried 4 times now to get BG tests on Rocky with no luck. I know I have the right spot, his ears bleed but just not enough and it spreads out in his fur. I have 28G lancets problem is he moves his head as soon as I pinch and it seems like it snags his ears his little ears look so bruised now. I put the Neosporin on them each time I am going to wait a bit till they are healed I think. I've watched all the videos and read everything the only thing I have not tried is the warm rice sock which I will do next time. Am I missing anything?
 
Hi Paula.
It can be frustrating in the beginning but don’t give up, you will get there.
Definitely try to heat the ear with a rice sock. Also try and ‘Milk ‘ the ear to draw blood to the top area.
Are you trying both ears?
Are you offering a small treat or snack as you test to distract Rocky?
You could try putting a bit of Vaseline on the ear so the blood pools in one spot.
Are you holding the spot after you get the blood with a piece of cotton wool to stop any further seeping of blood and bruising.
 
It sounds like you are doing all the right things, sometimes it just takes time and practice. The more you poke, the more his ears will get “used” to bleeding and it should get easier. It honestly took me probably two weeks to be able to consistently get readings for my cat, due to her uncooperation mostly :rolleyes: Some people put a little bit of Vaseline on the ear which can help the blood droplet bead up and not seep into his fur. If you are able to, you can also scrape the blood onto your clean fingernail as well and use that to test

Try not to feel too discouraged! You will get there! :cat:
 
I was having the same issue. Today was my first day testing. I messed up a couple of strips at first because Jasper would move and I would only have a tiny smudge. I've been rubbing his ear and head for a few minutes first. I get blood, but he wants to move right away so its hard to get the sample. I set him loose, put the strip in the meter and then hold him really close and tight to me to get the sample on the strip. He does fight it. Unfortunately, Jasper only has one good ear. The other is a cauliflower ear so I don't think it would work. I've been using a cotton ball. Then putting vaseline on after and giving a treat. It takes some practice, but you'll get the hang of it. I've messed up about 4 strips today.
 
Warming up the ear is key for me. That helps the blood literally just spill out and you get a big drop so even if he moves a little, there’s still enough there. Try that next time. You can also try to catch the blood on your nail and test from there. It seems to work for kitties that move fast so it’s off their ear and onto your nail. It just takes time and practice to figure out the best way that works for both you and your cat. But I do recommend warming the ear. I don’t know that I’d ever get enough blood out without doing that and the few times her ear doesn’t get warm enough it’s a fail because there’s barely any blood there
 
jayla-n-Drevon said:
Hi Paula,
Your doing great! It will get easier I promise!
Every cat is different but 1 thing I learned with my boy is after I prick the ear I release it for a few seconds and blood comes easily. I just learned this about 6 months ago after 4 years so don't give up it is SO worth keeping your baby safe!
:bighug:
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Thank you I have a friend on the way over to help me now I'll update later!
 
Like others mentioned, the Vaseline is key for me. I'm too lazy for a rice sock, so I just pet him with one hand and rub his ear with the other. Two weeks later, he purrs during the whole thing.

When using the lancet, I actually fake him out like I'm holding the scruff...so my one hand is holding the ear, and the other is resting on the back of his neck. I push my wrist gently into his neck, and lay my forearm down his back a little bit. Usually makes him freeze in place.

I give it maybe 10 seconds, then massage around the prick. I gently squeeze on either side to help get a big enough drop (sometimes I hit the sweet spot and a big drop comes on its own)
 
It took a couple times but I GOT A READING!!:) HE WAS 325 ON MY RELION 7+ hours after his AM shot. I'm so happy to have a reading on him now. Warming his ear I think was key in this! Thank you to everyone for the support :bighug:. He didn't flinch when I warmed his ear like he did previously, I didn't think he needed it because I tend to pet him by grabbing his ears and smoothing them and they always felt warm. I will continue with the rice sock moving forward.!
 
Paula Berndt said:
It took a couple times but I GOT A READING!!:) HE WAS 325 ON MY RELION 7+ hours after his AM shot. I'm so happy to have a reading on him now. Warming his ear I think was key in this! Thank you to everyone for the support :bighug:. He didn't flinch when I warmed his ear like he did previously, I didn't think he needed it because I tend to pet him by grabbing his ears and smoothing them and they always felt warm. I will continue with the rice sock moving forward.!
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Yay!!
 
Paula Berndt said:
It took a couple times but I GOT A READING!!:) HE WAS 325 ON MY RELION 7+ hours after his AM shot. I'm so happy to have a reading on him now. Warming his ear I think was key in this! Thank you to everyone for the support :bighug:. He didn't flinch when I warmed his ear like he did previously, I didn't think he needed it because I tend to pet him by grabbing his ears and smoothing them and they always felt warm. I will continue with the rice sock moving forward.!
Click to expand...
WOO HOODIE HOOO!
Welcome to the vampire club!
 
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