First attempt at glucose testing - me: 0, Joshi: 1

[LaraB]

I worked up the courage to do glucose testing on Joshi (using a Relion Confirm). Did the recommended steps leading up to the ear poke - and nothing. Used both the lancet pen and free-hand. No blood whatsoever. Thankfully, she was only mildly annoyed - but I stopped after my tenth attempt. I'm not sure if I wasn't aiming well with the pen or poking in the wrong place free-hand, but I'm feeling a wee bit defeated. I used the ultra-fine lancets, but I'm reading that it works better to use a larger gauge the first couple of times.

Any advice? If she not an "ear bleeder" for want of a better term, is it better to do the testing somewhere else (i.e. the paw pads?) Thankfully, doing insulin injections with Joshi is non-eventful, and she didn't seem too concerned with blood-draw attempts. We'll get there...just need some practice.

 

[Carol & Murphy (GA)]

Hi Lara- don't despair it definitely takes awhile to get the hang of it - have you watched the youtube videos and looked at all the tips on this site? I think definitely using the 26 gauge (larger lancets) while starting out will help you and having very warm ears is the key - can't get blood without warm ears
http://www.felinediabetes.com/bg-test.htm

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Lara,

The first tests can be a bit tricky but you'll both soon get the hang of things. Have a look at the following forum sticky; it has a very useful diagram showing the 'sweet spot' for testing:

Testing and Shooting Tips

I found that when I first started testing I didn't get Saoirse's ear warm enough. When I warmed her ear a good bit longer than I had originally thought necessary I had better success. By the way, as you continue to test more capillaries will develop in the ears and it gets much easier and quicker.


Mogs
.

 

[LaraB]

I probably didn't warm her ear long enough...will try doing it longer next time. Newbie mistake. I'll also go pick up a small pack of the larger gauge lancets - see if that works.

Observation-wise - at least she seems to doing really well, particularly with her peeing. Today was litterbox scrubbing day, and her favored box wasn't nearly as low on litter as it had been running the last couple of weeks. Didn't even have to top it off with extra litter during the week. Plus, what I scoop out doesn't seem quite so sticky as before. Most of all, her coat is back to its velvety-sleek texture. If we can just get to successful glucose-testing. *crossing fingers*

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

I probably didn't warm her ear long enough...will try doing it longer next time. Newbie mistake. I'll also go pick up a small pack of the larger gauge lancets - see if that works.

Observation-wise - at least she seems to doing really well, particularly with her peeing. Today was litterbox scrubbing day, and her favored box wasn't nearly as low on litter as it had been running the last couple of weeks. Didn't even have to top it off with extra litter during the week. Plus, what I scoop out doesn't seem quite so sticky as before. Most of all, her coat is back to its velvety-sleek texture. If we can just get to successful glucose-testing. *crossing fingers*

Those are both good signs that her glucose is probably better and she is feeling better too. Keep on testing. You are lucky she's not a fighter. And remember to praise her and give her a low-carb treat whether you get blood or not!

 

[Critter Mom]

Very encouraging news on the litter box front.

 

[Mocha aka Cold Play]

A tip someone told me, as my girl did not tolerate any warm rice sock or pill bottle, etc or baggie.....was simply blow warm air on the outer ear and cup your other hand to help the air warm faster. I find this does not annoy her and she surely knows a prick is coming. It probably will just take a few weeks of pokes to get the pooling. The neurosporin helps some but for me it made her blood fan out and not able to read. You will know if that happens. Hang in there. I don't think you need to go for the foot pads. I would avoid that and stay on course. It is great that Joshi is not a squirmer and I find feeding her while testing is a charm. The other techniques failed us both and she was angry!

 

[Mogmom and Goofus]

The paw pads are so easy to test, have very little feeling and they bleed very well. I've never heard of anyone getting infection from it as the hole closes so quickly that I usually have to re-poke if the strip fouls.