Still can't get blood!

[Mashyspringle]

Based on a fructosamine result, Stella is now on 2 U of Lantus twice a day, but we are still having trouble testing her. Following all the advice on this forum--heated rice bag, cotton balls, treats, etc., we have everything ready to go. But blood won't come out of that ear! She has been through so many failed tests in this house! To make it worse, the nurse at the vet clinic is able to do it without any problem. But I find my hands shaking every time I try. I'm about to give up and take her in for a 12 hour torture session at the vet. But the idea of that makes me cry. Any tips for the desperate??

 

[phlika29]

My hands shock terribly for the first few days and like you I struggled to get blood. What size lancet are you using. I ended up using a sterile needle that I had unopened from when i had to give my cat sub q's. This almost created a cut and definitely brought a lot of blood. The other thing I did was aim for the vein that runs around they area. I don't know if you can see it on Stella. My only other bit of advice I picked up from others is to pretend it is all jolly good fun. I took this to the extreme and would dance towards my cat singing about how I was going to take a reading. He looked at me like I was mad but it sort of dispelled the nerves a little

 

[BJM]

While you work on testing, take a look at my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools, particularly the urine testing for ketones and glucose using KetoDiaStix or generic equivalent. A much older protocol used urine testing, plus water drunk, appetite, urine output and so on, to monitor control.

 

[Kimmied]

Don't get discouraged!

I was where you are just about a month and a half ago. As soon as I switched to a 28 gauge lancet, bingo! I get blood most every time now. :smile:

I get everything ready before I pick up Hank and put him on the couch to test. Oh, that's another thing, try to pick the same spot to test most every time. I pick the couch. As soon as I put the rice sock on the under side of Hanks ear, he starts to lay down. Then I start rubbing and singing to him about how it's time to rub the kitty ear. Hank starts purring right away. It's so cute. :smile: When I'm done he usually hops down. I'd give him a treat but he doesn't like the low carb treats. I find if I don't rub long enough (I don't know maybe, 35-45 seconds) that I don't get blood. So I rub a little longer and try again. That usually does it.

So don't give up! We've all been there too. We are here to help you. If you have any more questions about testing, don't hesitate to ask.

Hang in there!

Kimmie

 

[Mashyspringle]

I'm using the Alphatrak glucometer with a 28 gauge lancet. I'll try rubbing the ear longer after I use the rice sack and then I'll sing! The one good thing is that Stella doesn't shake anymore when I pick her up and put her on the counter (her test spot). She still doesn't like it but I haven't felt her trembling (I'm the only one who shakes!) I guess that means that at least one of us is getting accustomed to this.

I've also noticed that she is drinking and peeing less than before, so that makes me a little more determined to be able to test her. I don't want to miss any low readings that she might have. I do have the urine strips but she pees downstairs in the basement, so I'm not usually in the vicinity when she does it.

Thanks for your encouraging words. It's so great to have friends who have been through it

 

[Critter Mom]

The good news is that, as you continue to test, new capillaries will quickly develop in the test area and it will get much easier to get a blood droplet for testing.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

I'm using the Alphatrak glucometer with a 28 gauge lancet. I'll try rubbing the ear longer after I use the rice sack and then I'll sing! The one good thing is that Stella doesn't shake anymore when I pick her up and put her on the counter (her test spot). She still doesn't like it but I haven't felt her trembling (I'm the only one who shakes!) I guess that means that at least one of us is getting accustomed to this.

I've also noticed that she is drinking and peeing less than before, so that makes me a little more determined to be able to test her. I don't want to miss any low readings that she might have. I do have the urine strips but she pees downstairs in the basement, so I'm not usually in the vicinity when she does it.

Thanks for your encouraging words. It's so great to have friends who have been through it

I am sorry you are having troubles with testing, but congratulations on all of your efforts and it will get easier, I promise! Are you offering treats? My Tiger just loves chicken Pure Bites, they are like a kitty potato chip to her. At first I just put her on her kitchen pillow and practiced rubbing her ears and then gave a treat. (she hated the rice sack, so I just rub her ears) Now she waits for me to test and if i forget, she comes to me! :lol: And fwiw, it really is helpful to sing- there is a song called The Hokey Pokey, it really works, you will feel so silly but it works to help you to relax, your kitty feels all of your anxiety! There is a link to a post, I'll try to find it for you later. Keep up the great work!

 

[BJM]

Pick up some KetoDiaStix from the pharmacy to test the urine for ketones and glucose.
More than a trace of ketones = vet visit asap.
Glucose in the urine only means the diabetes wasn't controlled since the previous void.
No glucose in the urine means the glucose is below the renal threshold - which could be fine or too low.

See my signature link Glucometer Notes for some details on what various levels may mean.