New Trick I learned to use when getting a blood sample

[Sieden]

My vet told me about this today while I was there and I can't believe that I never thought about it before. I told her about how I'm testing Peanut so often now and she mentioned using Lidocaine cream on the ear for a few minutes before I test him. I thought omg, how did I not think about this before, right? Your vet can write you a script for a 2.5 % or 5% Lidocaine or Lidocaine / Prilocaine combo. You can also just simply use the over the counter liquid Orajel in the 20% strength.

I came home from the vet's office and I already have a script of Lidocaine / Prilocaine combo in 2.5% and I also have the Orajel liquid in 20%. I put one on one finger and some on another and let it sit for 1 minute and then pricked my own fingers with the lancet device. The pain was decreased by at least 50% and I test myself enough to know what it usually feels like, believe me that it really did work. I made sure that blood actually came out of each finger so I know that I pricked deep enough. I will say that the normal throbbing pain did return in about 5 minutes so if you want to put a little more on the area after testing that would probably be acceptable as well.

I hope that this has helped someone, it certainly has helped me. I have yet to test it on kitty but I'm pretty sure that it's going to work.

I have decided to go with the Orajel since it's liquid I think it will be easier to work with but with that being said I think that the ear will have to be wiped off with a damp cloth before testing to make sure that the sample isn't contaminated.

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

A lot of people use Neosporin with pain relief. Just wondering if you had that to compare the Lidocaine stuff as well?

 

[Lillie]

Great idea. I don't think I do a very good job of not pinching him because he always kind of flinches. The vet tech today (he's in the hospital right now due to projectile vomiting and they have been testing him while he is in there) said Gee- he does very well for me and I never have any problem. ?? What? When I do it he acts like I'm killing him! I guess I need to perfect my technique maybe and the lidocaine may help. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Sieden]

A lot of people use Neosporin with pain relief. Just wondering if you had that to compare the Lidocaine stuff as well?

I do happen to have some of that as well and I've never actually thought that it worked for the pain of my cuts and burns so I don't see why it would be any better than the Lidocaine and Benzocaine. Though I do believe that the Lidocaine must be something stronger than the common 1% stuff on the shelf. Maybe it's just me but I have never found it to be of much use.

 

[Sieden]

Great idea. I don't think I do a very good job of not pinching him because he always kind of flinches. The vet tech today (he's in the hospital right now due to projectile vomiting and they have been testing him while he is in there) said Gee- he does very well for me and I never have any problem. ?? What? When I do it he acts like I'm killing him! I guess I need to perfect my technique maybe and the lidocaine may help. Thanks for the tip.

Ask your vet for a script of a 5% or at least a 2.5% because all that you will find over the counter is 1% and it won't be very effective. If they won't give you a script then try the Orajel, you can get it in gel form too but it's benzocaine and in my opinion it's stronger when comparing the 2. Just rub it into the skin real good, test it on yourself, see if 2 minutes is better than 1. You'll figure it out. Also aside from any of this, getting the sample just takes practice and finding your groove.