So Frustrated

[Zhenya Malkina]

I don't know if I can do this. The vet had no trouble getting blood out of Rodney's ear, but at home, I can't keep him still, I can't get any blood, and I'm supposed to do a curve at home in a week. This is so frustrating I'm in tears. The vet tech showed me how to do it, I've watched dozens of videos, but I just can't get blood out of his ear or hold him still long enough. Even with help we can't hold him well, or get enough blood. I don't know what to do.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Try just rubbing his ears and getting him used to the feel. Reward him each time. Do it in the same place.
I used to get down on my knees then back on my heels and put Sheba between my legs facing outwards soher tail was closest to me. That way she was restrained but not being held. Then while you are testing , give a small low carb treat so they are occupied.
Don’t rush with it all. It takes time and I promise you will get there. Try humming as you do it all.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Here's something I wrote up for others for testing...maybe it'll help you too!

It can be really helpful to establish a routine with testing. Pick one spot that you want your "testing spot" to be (I like the kitchen counter because it's got good light and it's at a good height....it also already blocked 2 escape routes due to the wall and the backsplash) It can be anywhere though...a rug on the floor, a table, a particular spot on the couch...wherever is good for you. Cats need routine so keeping everything the same (as much as possible) will help.

Take him there as many times a day as you can and just give his ears a quick rub and then he gets a yummy (low carb) treat. Most cats aren't objecting so much with the poking..it's the fooling with their ears they don't like, but once they're desensitized to it and learn to associate a certain place with the treats, they usually start to come when they're called! Or even when they hear us opening the test kit!

You also have to remember...you're not poking him to hurt him...you're testing him to keep him safe and understand what's going on inside his body. There's just nothing better than truly understanding what's going on inside your kitty's body and with this disease, the more knowledge you have, the more power you have against it. The edges of the ears have very few pain receptors, so it really doesn't hurt them. Also, if you're nervous and tense, it's going to make your kitty nervous and tense too. As silly as it might seem, try singing! It forces you to use a different part of your brain!

It's also important to make sure his ear is warm. A small sock filled with a little rice and microwaved or a small pill bottle filled with warm water (check temp against your wrist like you would a baby bottle) works well

For new kitties, using a heavier gauge lancet is also really helpful. A 25-28 gauge lancet pokes a bigger "hole" than a 31-33 gauge lancet does, so look for "Alternate Site testing" lancets that are usually a lower number

Finding the right "treat" will be a great help too! Freeze dried chicken, bonito flakes, little pieces of baked chicken...whatever low carb treat you can find that he really enjoys will help him to associate the testing with the treat! China's Achilles heel was baked chicken, so I'd bake a piece, chop it into bite sized pieces, put some in the refrigerator and freeze the rest to use as needed. It didn't take long for her to come any time I picked up the meter!

 

[JanetNJ]

What size lancet are you using?

 

[MamaMug]

It gets better, I promise! The first few nights of testing I was a wreck, crying and just really keyed up. Cats really react to that nervous energy, so trying to go into the situation calm and confident really helps.

The advice @Chris & China (GA) gave above really helped wonders for us, most of all the warming element. Within a week I was able to do it without a rice sock. In those first few days when I was fumbling and stressed about it, having the warmth really helped the blood flow.