AT2

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Siamis Momma

Siamis Momma

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I received my AT2 today but it was missing the "secret". Siami was like How. Dare. You. Is anyone willing to share the secret with me? I can't fail her- I won't fail her so any tips will be appreciated. She is currently on .05 2x a day. Her vet wants me to increase to 1.5 but without being able to monitor her I can't do the increase. Suggestions?
 
Hi and Welcome,

I am not sure what you mean. Are you having trouble getting blood? Or getting her to sit still for the poke? One of the most important parts is to find a treat that she loves and use it only for the test. She gets a treat, successful test or not. Before long, she'll be willing to sit for the poke because she knows the treat is coming.

The two things that helped us the most was to use lancets that make a big enough hole. In the beginning, a 25-27 gauge may work best. And warming the ear enough to make the blood flow.

Does that help? What other help do you need?
 
I'm having trouble with both. I don't keep any treats for her anymore. When she was first diagnosed her number was real high- all went to the shelter. The only thing I have for her is hill science prescription diet which I think I must change according to all the information I've read in the forums.
 
Bonito flakes and PureBites are low carb treats popular at my house. Some people cook chicken breasts (with no spices) and cut it into tiny pieces and use that.

Maybe you should start slow. First figure out where you want your testing place. Some people use the counter, some the bed or couch, some sit on the floor with the cat between their legs. Take her there, pet and praise and play with her ears,and a treat and let her go. Do that a few times and then add warming her ear. I liked a rice sack - a thinnish sock filled with raw rice and heated in the microwave until very warm. So pet, praise, warm her ears and treat and release. The hope is that by the time you add the poke, she'll be relaxed and happy with the process.
 
Siamis Momma said:
I received my AT2 today but it was missing the "secret". Siami was like How. Dare. You.
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Have you watched the video yet that's in this link? Hometesting Links and Tips
I know it's scary to do those ear poke at first (and believe me, Bat-Bat didn't like me handling her ears one bit :mad: in the beginning), but I know you're determined, so have not doubt that you'll get the hang of it - I have lots of faith in you! :bighug:Am sending many good vibes for success in testing Siami's BG your way ...
 
Home testing does take a little time. You'll get there! It really does turn into the kitty coming to you for tests when it's time. Let us know how things go and we can probably help find ways to make it easier for you. :)
 
Slightly warm chicken broth (no salt added!) is Mitz's new favorite treat. It does wonders for her tolerance level! Good luck & it really will get easier.

Joan
 
Merlin is so funny. When he is hungry, he will come get me and meow till I get up (he has me so programmed). So whenever I give him food or treats, I always test him first and he eats and tests in my daughters bedroom. There is a big wooden box that he and I sit on to test. So as soon as I get up, he runs to the bedroom and goes to that box AND turns himself around so I can pick him up. I pick him up, he either stands or lays down, while I test. As soon as I am done, I give him about 10 seconds of massaging and then he jumps down and goes to his food dish. He has been doing that for a long time...so it is true, they learn that testing is not so bad. I also think repetition and consistency helps.
 
I like to use a little vaseline on the ear, it helps the blood to bead up and not flow into the fur. Also clear, petroleum based antibiotic cream with pain relief works well too. Don't use too much, it could give a false reading on the test, just a thin coat will do. Plus the pain relief helps with soreness, especially at first when we tend to poke more. I was very nervous about the testing, but it really gets much easier, you will be an expert in no time! Good luck, you can do this!
 
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