home blood testing

[scotty b]

I have recently started my cat, Oscar, on insulin. He takes the shots like a champ. But when I need to do the blood test with the lancet im having trouble getting blood from his paw. Sometimes it works fine. Not so good other times. I have to prick him three times. Is there something im doing wrong? Please help!

 

[Blue]

I have recently started my cat, Oscar, on insulin. He takes the shots like a champ. But when I need to do the blood test with the lancet im having trouble getting blood from his paw. Sometimes it works fine. Not so good other times. I have to prick him three times. Is there something im doing wrong? Please help!

The majority of people test by the ear not the paw pads.

Testing on cat’s ear

What insulin are you using and what dose?
If you have some of your test numbers, the people here can better help you.

 

[squeem3]

I have recently started my cat, Oscar, on insulin. He takes the shots like a champ. But when I need to do the blood test with the lancet im having trouble getting blood from his paw. Sometimes it works fine. Not so good other times. I have to prick him three times. Is there something im doing wrong? Please help!

Testing tips and videos: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=287

What brand lancets are you using? The thin ones (30 gauge and up) are too thin to get blood from a cat with. A thicker lancet like 28 gauge works much better. Are you using a lancet device? You may need to get a different lancet device to use with thicker gauge lancets. Lancets are generally not interchangable among different brands of lancet devices. http://www.walgreens.com/marketing/library/centers/diabetes/lancets.jsp

Have you tried poking the ear? It bleeds pretty easily after being warmed up.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Welcome Scotty and extra sweet Oscar!

Do please check out the videos of the ear testing instead - I truly think you'll find it much easier. Post any questions or problems, someone here will be glad to help!

Hugs!