BG testing using carpal pad

[d0zivyhoo]

I have searched the internet, and this forum, to no avail. Does anyone have suggestions how to test properly using the dew claw? I'd really like to give my girl's ears a break (been doing a LOT of testing due to diet change, etc.). I've seen a video on a dog, but sorry, they're just a different species and it's just not quite the same.

I've tried a couple of times to no avail - just can't get any blood out of either dew claw, and I even warmed them up first with the rice sock. The good news is that it didn't seem to hurt her.

I did watch a video of someone using the foot pad, and I tried that, even though it scares me about her walking into the litter box afterwards on an "open" wound. However, it really hurt her, and I didn't get a drop out of her even after squeezing for a bit. Geez she's a trooper through all of this.

For something that is not walked on at all, the dew claws seem awfully dense and tough. I don't use a lancet device, even on her ears. So, I know I'm getting deep enough. Am I poking in the wrong location?

Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

DZ and Sarah

 

[MommaOfMuse]

Re: Dew claw testing

Well I don't know for sure but when I have seen it done with dogs they cut the nail back to where it bleeds...and all I can think of is OUCH!!! That would be like cutting your own fingernail to short where it bleeds as well.

I know when my Musette was hospitalized the vet there tested her, even though I had shown them how to do it on her ear, by cutting back her back claws until they bled.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang

 

[d0zivyhoo]

Re: glucose testing using carpal pad

Yikes, poor kitty!

I'm glad you posted, because I used the wrong terminology. It's the carpal pad - that weird little clump of paw-pad type flesh that hangs from the lower forearms.

Geez, what a nut I am.

Thanks for responding - gave me reason to get it correct!

Anyway, my kitty is great about having her feet held, so I'd like to be successful using the carpal pad.

DZ and Sarah

 

[Amanda]

I never could get the hang of testing via Kazi's ear - I test her paw pad and alternate feet. She is great about being flipped over and chilling in my lap while we test. Never an issue with infection - my thought is that human's use their fingers for testing and if you have ever actually tested for germs etc AFTER washing your hands in a science class... well YUCK. I do try to keep her litterbox clean and rub neosporin in if I am doing a curve or testing frequently.

Try using the big pad - my guess is the carpal pad doesn't have the same blood flow to it as the larger pad. Also - heat up a rice sock and warm the pad and give it a brisk, firm massage. The pads need to learn to bleed same as the ear does.

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

I'd really like to give my girl's ears a break (been doing a LOT of testing due to diet change, etc.)

If you're testing right, you should be able to test as much as you want on the ears without any ill effects. Why do you want to switch someplace else? Cats have very few nerve endings in their ears (less than people do in their fingers), do the ear really is the ideal place to test. They struggle at first because they can sense you're nervous, and you're doing something new to them. Reward each test with a treat, and after a while the cat will accept the testing as part of their daily routine. Bandit fought me tooth and nail in the beginning, but now he comes running, lies down and starts purring when he hears me turn on the glucose meter. I tested him up to 12 times a day on the same ear and never had a problem.

Are you seeing bruising, and that's why you think she's hurting? If so, that can be prevented. First, make sure you're testing in the right spot. You want to aim for the capillaries on the outside of the ear, not the vein. Here's a picture of where you should be aiming with the lancet: http://felinediabetes.com/images/laur_danny_famoussweetspot.jpg. Make sure you're putting pressure on the area for 20 seconds after the test to prevent bruising, and I always dabbed a little neosporin + pain relief ointment on the poke spot just to be safe.

 

[d0zivyhoo]

Hi Julia,

Thanks for your reply. I just wanted to give her ears a break is all. She's a trooper. I did try some neosporin last week, and it helped with some of the bruising. I do put pressure on her ear, but once she hears the meter beep, she knows she's done and is very impatient for her treat. So, the bruising is probably due to me not being able to hold her ear long enough after-the-fact (I probably get about 7 seconds worth).

She also has very little hair on her ears, so her brusing shows up probably more than the average kitty.

Otherwise, there's been no problem with the testing.

Thanks again.

DZ and Sarah

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

I wouldn't worry about it then...you're doing great! It's hard at first to think of the poking as no big deal, but after a month or two of regular testing it becomes so normal you won't even give it a second thought.