Have been trying to test again

[Zinda]

I haven't gotten a good test since my last post... I think was Friday. I haven't been able to get enough blood from Splitzie to test. I have used a rice sock, have massaged her ears, I've even tried her paw pad. She ends up frustrated and won't come near me for a while, and I end up worried since I am not able to see where her sugars are. Any thoughts/ideas that might make it work a bit better? Well, that I haven't already tried.

 

[Steve & Jock]

Are you poking her really tentatively? Try two good pokes, one after another, side by side (a millimeter or less apart). Usually makes enough of a drop for anyone.

Chances are you're just not confident, or you're squeamish or afraid of hurting her. Poke yourself with the lancet in the arm a couple of times so you know it isn't all that painful, then just pretend you're about to sew her ear.

Don't aim to poke right through her ear, but don't get all upset if you do, either. I can't count the number of times I've gone right through Jock's ear and he hasn't had so much as a little scar yet.

 

[Zinda]

I will have to try the 2 pokes. Didn't think of that. I have also been using a lance. I don't even use just the lancet on myself. Kinda scary to me. I have it set to 3, which usually gets more than enough blood out of me, do I maybe have it set too low?
I've been diabetic for 24 years, so, I know it really doesn't hurt much. Worse than the pain is the fact that she doesn't understand. I think that may be holding me back a bit. The funny part is I was more confident in todays test than before. lol Go figure. Will definitely keep trying after her break. :smile:

 

[Phoebe_TiggyGA_NortonGA]

I have to set the lancet device at 4 or 4.5 for Tiggy's ears, so increasing might help.

Also, you need to support the ear or the lancet will move the ear instead of piercing.

Explain to Splitzie that you need to do this to help him feel better, and that it will get easier with practice.

If you're interested in talking to an animal communicator, Dawn Allen is good with behavioral and health issues, and reasonably priced. She works over the phone - no photos needed.

I was skeptical, but she impressed me and helped my most aggressive cat behave better at the vet. (no more sedation for just a blood draw, yea!!!)

www.dawnallen.org - she is also on facebook at the same address.

 

[Zinda]

K, so far, poke more than once and raising the lance. About to go wake her up and try again. Fingers are crossed.
I've been keeping a cottonball under her ear, more so I don't poke us both in the process. lol
If I keep having problems I will definitely look into that as well.
Thanks. :smile:

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

What size lancet? Sometimes they come with a 31 gauge and it's too small to make a decent hole. You might look for some 25-27 gauge. And if you never get a drop but she is leaving, you can put it on your fingernail and test from there.

 

[Zinda]

She's been doing better about sitting still, I think she's resigned to the fact that I'm determined to do this. There just doesn't seem to be enough blood coming from her. That first test was great, had enough blood to work for a couple tests, then today she's not giving up any. The lancets I get are 28 gauge.
I have been using my meter, which maybe takes too much blood. I'm going to try one of my back up meters next and see if maybe it will work better.
Thanks so much everyone for the advice and ideas. Definitely not going to give up on this.

 

[Phoebe_TiggyGA_NortonGA]

Try getting her to drink more liquid -- will make the blood more fluid too.

Add some tuna juice to the water dish to make it extra yummy or stir in tablespoon or two of water into the canned food.

Also -- I found it helpful when I saw a diagram showing the direction of blood flow --- it flows around the edge of the ear starting in the middle of the head and flowing outward. So -- poke halfway up the outer edge of the ear and "milk" the ear by gently squeezing below where you poked --- essentially pushing the blood backwards up to the hole as the normal flow is coming down from the tip of the ear.

 

[Zinda]

Thanks so much everyone. I used a different meter and worked out fine. I guess the way my meter is set up it doesn't work that well with cats. You guys were great, as usual with help. Thank you.
Kathy