ear bruising

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whiskeysmom

whiskeysmom

Member Since 2016
So, my poor baby's ear is all bruised at the tip from all the poking I've had to do. I noticed it when the light was shining on it--so red and purple. I feel awful. What do you guys do to prevent/treat this?
 
Thanks for asking! I'm new & curious too. My baby's ears are light, so it's so noticeable. :/
 
ok so just took his blood, and I put a little tiny piece of ice on it for a minute. I thought, well, that works for humans so maybe it would work for him too? lol
 
I use a round cotton cosmetic pad behind the ear when I poke. Once the poke is done I fold it over the spot and apply firm, but gentle pressure to the are to help stop any bleeding and prevent bruising
 
I also apply pressure after the poke but I use two squares of toilet paper folded over. I did cause bruises at first but not any more.
 
MiCo said:
Thanks @Tuxedo Mom and @Kris & Teasel for the replies! I have been using the cosmetic pad and tissue for now. Perhaps this is something we will get better at doing?
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I find if I hold it for about 5-10 seconds with a decent amount of pressure...without pinching the ear...it helps with the redness and bruising. My long term diabetic has had well over 4000 ear pokes and his ears do not look bad at all. :)
 
Squallie's ears used to bruise, too. You will get better at it, and the bruising will go away. Just be careful not to pinch the ear when you apply pressure - apparently I was pinching Squall's ears and he was very unhappy about it. I have learned to only apply a very little pressure now!
 
whiskeysmom said:
Thanks! I've been using a cotton ball. I spray it with Vetricyn which is a wound spray just cuz I'm paranoid about infection :p I'll try a cosmetic pad instead. Thanks!
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Cotton balls will work just as well, I have used them, and the pads, and now just tissues.
ETA: Do you use Neosporin before you do the poke? You can apply a thin layer of Neosporin ointment (not cream) with pain relief before you poke, it helps with discomfort and also help the blood to form droplets rather than dispersing through the fur!
 
It gets better in time indeed but it doesn't look pretty (I know).. I bought some bruising creme which was recommened on the Dutch forum and that worked for Baco. Also I tried to switch between ears a lot so the other one could 'rest'. And if not needed I wouldn't test for a while during a cycle when her numbers were high enough.
Those tips can help the ears to get some rest.
 
It does get better over time and I too have found that backing the lancet with a piece of paper towel and then immediately apply gentle pressure prevents bruising 99% of the time. I have also found that in the summer I can use 30 gauge lancets instead of the 28's. Wait until you get good at testing before you try this. It takes a little while for their ears to get the hang of giving a good sample and the larger lancet makes it easier. Sarge's right ear is still an easier test than his left. :)
 
Thanks! I will be happy when I get the new testing strips I ordered for the Walmart Relion glucometer. The Freestyle Neo is being annoying again. Today I tried 3 times to do a reading. The first time, couldn't get enough blood. The 2nd and 3rd time I got enough blood but error messages on the meter. If it gets past 3 times, he bolts straight under the bed :(

I just tested him tonight--he was at 234. Once I get my new strips in the mail, I feel I'll be better able to do a glucose curve. I get too frustrated when my glucometer wastes the strips :(

I do notice he's showing signs of his diabetes being under control, which makes me happy..putting his weight back on..he's not drinking like he's lost in the desert and hasn't had water for years, like he used to. He doesn't pee nearly as much either. And he has more energy.
 
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