Home Testing Help

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Hosanna

Hosanna

Member Since 2012
I almost butchered Martha this morning trying to get some blood from her ear. Her ear was cold so I rubbed and rubbed it, then pricked the tiny vein that runs along the edge of the ear. Nothing came out, even when I squeezed it. All the time Martha is fighting me. Anyway, I did this several times and the poor ear looks bruised and I never did get any blood. Aside from sitting on her, would appreciate some suggestions. I have to check it tonight before giving insulin-- Thank you! confused_cat
 
Also rather than rubbing the ear, try making a warming sock:

take one sock - any sock will do without holes in it
add 1/4 cup of rice, dried beans or oatmeal (I prefer oatmeal)
knot the top of the sock
place in microwave for 15-30 seconds until warm to touch

place warm sock behind the cat's ear and hold until ear warms up.

You can also keep it there to use as a buffer in case your poke becomes a pierce and you don't poke your finger.

Also you are using the lancet device or are you free hand poking?

I found free hand poking to be easier than the device and if you try this, then hold the lancet at an upward 45 degree-ish angle and poke that way - here is a pic:

101_0669.jpg


And the sweet spot is the area you want to aim for:

sweetspot.jpg


Of course you can try all up and down the edge of the ear, not just in this small area.

How else can we help you?

Where are you located? There may be someone close by who could help you in person.
 
Carl, I did indeed watch that video--thank you! I have a question about sticking her---the video said do not use a vein. When I see the fine veins running along the ear, that's where I poke. Is that wrong? I'm not sure where else to stick her....??
 
if you stick the vein, you will get a lot of blood and it will be more challenging to stop the flow.

If you look at the pic of the sweet spot - you will see that it is the tiny space next to the vein and edge of ear. you are aiming for that space and yes it is small.
 
Hillary gave you some nice photos that should help. If you can see the vein really well, what you are trying for is the space between the vein and the edge of the ear.

Carl
 
You folks are a great help. I just took her blood and it was 307 so I felt okay about giving the 2 units. It had gone up from 297. She had a small amount of dry food this afternoon, but the rest was all Fancy feast. I was hoping it had not gone up.
Her ears were so nice and warm tonight.
I am poking with my hand, not the lancet.
I live in South Carolina.
 
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