New diagnosed cat

[DeeW1028]

I have a 10 year old cat newly diagnosed. I can do insulin shots ok. I am having trouble getting blood for the glucose test. Looking for advice on how to make it less stressful.

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

I have a 10 year old cat newly diagnosed. I can do insulin shots ok. I am having trouble getting blood for the glucose test. Looking for advice on how to make it less stressful.

Hi Dee and welcome!

a few questions folks here will ask to be able to help you better are:
What insulin and how much?
What kind of food is kitty on?
Do you have any BG level numbers you can share?
Take a look at this link so you can see how we get folks started

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/

you’ll see a link in the link above to creating a spreadsheet you can share with us if you do already have some BG testing numbers

We can share lots of tips on testing starting with warming up the ear before. Let me look for more info and I’ll post again soon!

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hi Dee are you using a lancing device or are you doing it freehand just using the lantus, in the beginning use a 28 gauge lancet to get the ears to bleed.
As you test the ears will grow more cappilaries and testing will become easier
Aim for the sweet spot , You might want to purchase 28 gauge lancets and do it free hand on a 46 degree angle, eventually more capillaries will grow and it becomes easier or you can buy the lancing device which I have never used, just did it free hand.If you choose to go with the device I would ask the members which one they would recommend
Start to rub his ears to get him used to it, warm them up first, if need be put some rice in a sock and warm it in the microwave and put it on his ears, make sure its not to hot.

Diabetic Cat Care Home Testing Your Cat’s BG

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Until more members come on board tomorrow if you would set up your signature
Would you please put some information in your User Id "Signature", so we can help you better. It will be attached to all your posts, once you do that. Directions for doing that are here in this link>>>>>> Editing your Signature, Profile, and Preferences

Sticky New? How You Can Help Us Help You!

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Start getting your kitty ( what is your kitty's name) used to rubbing the ears, then reward him or her with a low carb treat

Try to do it in the same place all the time so he associates that he will be getting a treat, Believe me it will become easier

You can even try filling an empty prescription bottle with warm water and hold it on his ear for awhile, I had seen a member does this

After you draw blood and test get a cotton round and press gently for about 10-20 seconds to stop the bleeding

You can also put a small amount of Neosporin Ointment with pain relief, make sure you buy the Ointment and NOT The Cream if you think his or her ears look really red