dificuties getting blood to test
- Thread starter Julia Rae
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Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
It can be really helpful to establish a routine with testing. Pick one spot that you want your "testing spot" to be (I like the kitchen counter because it's got good light and it's at a good height....it also already blocked 2 escape routes due to the wall and the backsplash) It can be anywhere though...a rug on the floor, a table, a particular spot on the couch...wherever is good for you. Take him there as many times a day as you can and just give his ears a quick rub and then he gets a yummy (low carb) treat. A small piece of baked chicken was China's favorite
Most cats aren't objecting so much with the poking..it's the fooling with their ears they don't like, but once they're desensitized to it and learn to associate a certain place with the treats, they usually start to come when they're called! Or even when they hear us opening the test kit!
You also have to remember...you're not poking him to hurt him...you're testing him to keep him safe and understand what's going on inside his body. There's just nothing better than truly understanding what's going on inside your kitty's body and with this disease, the more knowledge you have, the more power you have against it. The edges of the ears have very few pain receptors, so it really doesn't hurt them. Also, if you're nervous and tense, it's going to make your kitty nervous and tense too. As silly as it might seem, try singing! It forces you to use a different part of your brain!
It's also important to make sure his ear is warm. A small sock filled with a little rice and microwaved or a small pill bottle filled with warm water or a washrag soaked with warm water and put into a zip-lock bag (check temp against your wrist like you would a baby bottle) works well
Most cats aren't objecting so much with the poking..it's the fooling with their ears they don't like, but once they're desensitized to it and learn to associate a certain place with the treats, they usually start to come when they're called! Or even when they hear us opening the test kit!
You also have to remember...you're not poking him to hurt him...you're testing him to keep him safe and understand what's going on inside his body. There's just nothing better than truly understanding what's going on inside your kitty's body and with this disease, the more knowledge you have, the more power you have against it. The edges of the ears have very few pain receptors, so it really doesn't hurt them. Also, if you're nervous and tense, it's going to make your kitty nervous and tense too. As silly as it might seem, try singing! It forces you to use a different part of your brain!
It's also important to make sure his ear is warm. A small sock filled with a little rice and microwaved or a small pill bottle filled with warm water or a washrag soaked with warm water and put into a zip-lock bag (check temp against your wrist like you would a baby bottle) works well
BJM
Member Since 2010
Giving a low carb treat after each testing session, whether or not you are successful, helps a lot. Your cat may begin to anticipate the treat and voluntarily come for testing. Yes, really.
Also, we have found that some meters with True in the name don't identify high numbers very well in cats (they may be fine for humans). The Target Up and Up, or the WalMart Confirm or Confirm Micro have worked well for numerous Us members here.
Also, we have found that some meters with True in the name don't identify high numbers very well in cats (they may be fine for humans). The Target Up and Up, or the WalMart Confirm or Confirm Micro have worked well for numerous Us members here.
Julia Rae
Member Since 2015
i will look into the walmart mico as it sounds as if needs very little blood, the problem has been in getting enough blood to register on the meter. He is sooo tolerant of my stabbling him over and over to get enough blood. His cries make me wish it was me being hurt. Is chease a good treat for Magellan?
AZJenks
Member Since 2014
No wonder you're having difficulties. The Walgreen True Track meter says it requires a blood sample size of 1 microliter. That's a large droplet, even for a human. The Relion Confirm/Micro, in contrast, uses 0.3 microliters -- or 70% less blood!
Also, the True Track strips look like they are more expensive than the Confirm/Micro strips.
So you'll be saving money and frustration on testing at the same time.
Keep it up! You're doing great!
Also, the True Track strips look like they are more expensive than the Confirm/Micro strips.
So you'll be saving money and frustration on testing at the same time.
Keep it up! You're doing great!
Julia Rae
Member Since 2015
Thank you so much I have been going crazy trying to figure out his sugars, it looks like the antibiotics are working for his bladder infection. We are near the end of that other than the infection his panel was clear,I am hoping that I caught this early enough for him to OTJ. Been keeping up with the spread sheet as well, will see if my bf will drive me out to the walmart to get the stuff, boy my sugar baby is costing me a small fortune but he is worth it.
jane and stewey
Member Since 2014
Put some dry rice in a small sock and heat it in the microwave. Apply it to the inner surface of the outer ear. It will help to dilate the capillaries fro better blood flow. After the stick apply firm pressure to the site for about 30 seconds. Afterwards, rub a small amount of Vaseline over the site. Overall pain and stress will be deminished and the ear will remain soft and not inflamed. Good luck from Jane and Stewey
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