Starting home testing

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Laura13

Laura13

Member Since 2014
Hi everyone

Small update on Rupert, his glucose levels are still really high and he is on 5 units in mornings and 4 units at night. His levels went down 3 points last week which I was happy about but they are still really high.

I have finally bought a kit to test Rupert at home. I want to see if his levels are high from stress being in the car and carrier.

I've been reading and watching videos on testing but I was just wondering if anyone has any tips for a first time tester? I want to make this as easy as possible for Rupert (and me)
 
Hi Laura,

I don't know if you've seen this page but there's a lot of info here about testing (including tips and tricks).
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=287

Do be reassured that many cats actually come to look forward to testing if they are rewarded with a treat at test times (a food treat or a wee cuddle). cat_pet_icon

Things I found most useful initially were:
Getting the cat used to having it's ears touched. (I'd briefly massage Bertie's ear, or hold it for a couple of seconds and then quickly give him a treat. (I've also managed to test my non-diabetics by getting them used to having their ears touched in this way.))

Making sure the ears are warm. (Warm ears bleed much more easily. They can be gently massaged to increase blood flow, or, some folks use a pill bottle filled with warm water that can be held in the ear to warm it, or a 'rice sock' warmed in the microwave.)

Testing in the same place to establish a routine (ie on the same desk, table or counter top).

Using a teensy smidge of vaseline on the edge of the ear to help the blood droplet to bead up and stop it disappearing into the fur.

Putting localised pressure on the opposite side to where you're pricking the ear, so as to give some resistance (I put a fingertip on the inside of the ear opposite to where I'm pricking, others (more sensible than I!) use a piece of cotton wool or folded tissue.)

Making two pricks close together can often produce enough blood for a test where one prick might not.

Pressing on the test site immediately after the test with a little tissue or cotton wool, so as to stop bleeding and prevent bruising.

Always rewarding the cat for tests or attempted tests. Rewards are your best friend when it comes to testing!

Initally you may feel like you don't have enough hands. But it's like anything new; it can take a while to get the hang of it. So do be patient with yourself (and Rupert!). Once you get the hang of it the whole process can be completed in seconds!

I'm sure others here will have their own tips and tricks. :smile:

Eliz
 
Talk in a nice, enthusiastic voice - you know, our cat language and tell Rupert how good he is. When you get a result tell him the number like. 'Oh Rupert, you got a 98 today, what a good boy"..........then as he gets better numbers adjust your voice tone to be more excited and you'll see Rupert react.............sort of like the movie "Look who's Talking"...........and yes, lots of dried treats after so eventually he will associate testing with treats and it's a breeze.
 
I'm a newbie too but I just wanted to say welcome the the best forum of fabulous and knowlegable people!

I don't know if this will help you or not,but for me, not only does a successful test require Tiger's ear to be warm, but my hands, which tend to be freezing, they need to be absolutely warm as well or I can't draw blood! nailbite_smile Also, Tiger didn't like the heated rice bags so I just have to warm my hands up with a cup of tea and then warm her ear up with my hands, then she's fine. Also, my frame of mind has to be positive, Tiger loves being told what a good girl she -is, that she's the best cat in the whole world, regardless of if the testing was successful or not. Aside from this, try hard to find treats that your kitty loves, this was hard for us because we have a picky eater who really does need to gain weight! It actually works better if I have a tablespoon of her food in front of me, now she comes running toward me and sits herself on the cushion that I have on the floor in the kitchen! LOL! You and your kitty will do just fine with time and practice, remember to breathe! Take care, Ruth
 
Ok so we tested him last night, he was very well behaved for us and loved the treats at the end. His glucose levels have gone down again! 18.2 which I think is about 324 in your terms. Still high but they're going down! I will call our vet on Monday to let her know and see what we do next. I feel like we're finally getting the hang of diabetes. Feeling much more confident now.
 
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