I think before I was using 30 ga lancets, and I'd have to poke some times 8 times before getting any blood. I can't say that a hole even occurred most of the time because of the way he'd be flinching so quickly. Sometimes there'd be teeny tiny spec of blood but I couldn't get a blood drop. I have 3 different lancets of different colors, can't tell what the gauges are. I can only see that the dark blue ones are 30 ga. I have light blue, and a teal.
I never have luck stroking his ear to get the blood to come out. I wonder if the fact that he's on a blood pressure med affects his blood flow slowing it down making it harder to get a blood drop.
That sounds very smart. I don't think Ricky is eating well lately. My difficulty with testing makes it hard to study what is going on well enough to figure out a good plan. I'm going to test him tonight and see if he's dropped again. Today I gave 5 units per my vet's suggestion. But that's still a high dose. He's a big cat but he hasn't been eating well, so it could be another low one tonight. My vet said dropping to 5 units should be maintained for a week before any change to a lower dose. But if his BG is quite low again then I think we might need to try going down to 4.0 or even 3.0 Just wish he'd eat.
I will try thatWe have to warm Idjit's ear with a rice sock. I draw it over his head, under his chin, as well as warm both ears. Takes a bit longer, but he likes it. He even has started to purr a few times. I think it got easier when I started to relax, then he could relax. Just takes time. Be patient with yourself.
Tonight I used a light blue lancet that came with the Alpha Track. The bag is not marked as to the gauge but it looked bigger than what I was using before. I got a blood drop on the first poke, so that was a shock ! Maybe the larger is better as you say. Many of the ones I have aren't marked for size. Tonight PS was 355. So that's not so scary. Still don't notice him eating.
Ricky isn't food motivated, and he doesn't like any treat. Also he's free feeding and only eats dry food. Usually he always ate around the time of the shot any way, but currently he seems off his food. Seems like it's not appealing
Are there other cats or dogs in the house that could be eating his food. We have six and Noah is really private about eating. Some people here have baby scales, a good investment if you think you're going to have cats around your feet for the next 40 years.
I already have a baby scale. Have had that to keep check on my chubby Yorkie ! Most of my cats are older and it has become a struggle just to find foods they will eat. All but Ricky eat wet food, but I give them what ever works. Ricky's weight looks good right now.
All you need now is a baby!
Wanted to thank you for that Chris. I mumbled something Thursday night about activity but did not suggest playing. Nonetheless that line should be a part of the Hypo protocol. I had also suggested not letting him fall into a deep sleep but that's from my neurological knowledge. Do you think that's a good idea? It applies to humans after concussions.
My chubby Yorkie is demanding enough !All you need now is a baby!
View attachment 36260 I read somewhere they poop a lot and need special food. No thanks.