Ear pricking, need help

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Jennifer and Spot (GA)

Jennifer and Spot (GA)

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We are having trouble with this, despite various info I got from here. Is it ok or not OK to use a warm washcloth to warm my cat's ear? Not sure if the ear can get wet, even slightly. Or, should I heat a washcloth in the microwave and that will be good? We have changed the size of the lancet to 28 (from 33) but still don't always getting much of a drop, very little. Also, sometimes it seems the pen works and sometimes it doesn't. But when we've done the prick without the pen, my cat does seem to get upset. Woe. I thought by now I'd have this down more.

We are using Relion Confirm meter, and their lancing device.
 
Can you make a warming sock instead?

Take one sock - a smaller one preferable as it is easier to manage
fill with either 1/4 cup of rice, dry beans or oatmeal - personally, I use oatmeal, as it smells better when microwaved
knot the top - so stuff doesn't fall out
put in microwave 15-30 seconds, until warm to touch
then place behind cat's ear to warm it

this will give the warmth, without the wet. While yes, you can use a wet washcloth, the fact is the cat may not like that and fuss more about getting wet.

You can also take a damp washcloth and put in micro to warm/dry it and that could work too.

If you are still having problems, you may want to try a thicker gauged lancet - such as 28 or 29 gauge - at least until you train the ear to bleed.
 
We use (uncooked) rice and go up to 40 seconds in the microwave. Rub it against the ear very slowly as though you are using it to pet the cat, and when he/she lets you, hold it against his/her ear for as long as possible before getting back to the petting. When the ear feels warm to the touch it's ready to go.

Also going to a larger gauge can not be under-stated. We got nothing from a 30 gauge but have not had a single problem since we switched to 28
 
Just put the warm washcloth inside a baggie - the water makes the blood spread into the hair, you want it to well up like a bubble for your test. I use a warm rice sock too - I cook it occasionally...... :roll:

HUGS! You'll get it!
 
I fill a small pill bottle with hot water (from the faucet - not too hot!) and hold it up against his ear. It works great for me!
 
Aim for between the vein and the edge of the ear, on the outside edge of the ear, about 2/3rds of the way up, and massage the blood up to the cut to get a larger bead.

It took us a few days to get it (check our SS) but once you and the kitty get the hang of it, you'll both find it much less stressful.
 
Here is where you want to aim:

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m267 ... etspot.jpg

And you need to relax, so before you attempt this, take deep breaths, relax yourself, warm the ear, you may even want to use petroleum jelly on the ear before pricking - this will help bead up any blood you get and won't affect the test at all.

The more relaxed and calm you are the more calm the cat will be. Don't try to rush it, once you do it correctly, you will see it's not so difficult and you can begin to relax even more and not stress.

And if you find, you still aren't successful, you can also prick the area several times to get the blood to bead up. I also found that with Maui, sometimes one ear worked better than the other, so it may just be you need to see which ear likes to bleed better and focus on that one.
 
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