Is it supposed to look like this?

[Renegaderem+Dainty]

This morning, for the first time ever, succeeded in testing Dainty's BG at home! A couple of hours after her evening shot I went to go test her ear again. On the inside of the ear I saw that it was really red (attached picture to this post). I poked with the needle on the outside of the ear. I am not sure if I did something wrong this morning or if this kind of reaction is normal on the ear.

 

[squeem3]

Some bruising is normal when you start poking to get blood. Just apply a little presssure to the ear after you're done with it. When the ear learns to bleed better, the bruising will go away.

 

[Renegaderem+Dainty]

Some bruising is normal when you start poking to get blood. Just apply a little presssure to the ear after you're done with it. When the ear learns to bleed better, the bruising will go away.

Phew! Thanks for letting me know. I thought I had really hurt her or something.

 

[Hope + (((Baby)))GA]

Hard to tell from the pic so just want to make sure you are testing the edge of the ear, not further in. Even after the ear learns to bleed we still apply some pressure after a poke to stop bleeding and bruising.

 

[Just-As-Appy]

I use a makeup removal pad (the ones that are the size of an egg and about $2 for 50) and fold over the ear to hold pressure while the meter calculates the number - maybe a bit longer if I've hit a gusher! I test minimum 4 x daily and had bruises at first, but now rarely.

 

[Anonymous]

Rene, that is fine. You do want to get as close to the edge of the ear as you can and try not to actually pierce all the way thru (which we all have specially those of us who freehand it) and massage the ear before...and apply pressure after (along with much praise and treats as possible) and that is about as right as rain in doing it!

also something i just noticed myself doing which is no good. tom is so good he has'nt complained but i saw i was actually putting too much pressure on his head and neck when i went for the poke. bad me!!!!! i don't think that is pleasant or comfortable for him. i was leaning his head to the side. i'm going to be more mindful that i allow his head to be just in it's normal position and not lean on it.

Lori
and tomtom too!

 

[Renegaderem+Dainty]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I am still pretty nervous of the poking and prodding with needles, I've never been fond of them. But this site has really been amazing putting up with my questions.

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

One thing that really helps with Bandit is that I use a little bit of antibiotic ointment + pain relief after I poke him. He sat still soooo much better after I started using it. I could tell his ear was less irritated.