Suggestions please!

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jillmerg

jillmerg

Member Since 2015
Ok, I finally got Princess' SS straightened out & linked up. Her numbers seem good ...I think. I'm having a harder time these past couple days bc she's not sleeping as much(which is a good thing!) so she's more 'growly' with me . Maybe her ears are getting sore or she knows what I'm about to do! I ordered some treats , Halo Liv-a-little chicken so maybe that will help. Those are ok for her , right?
Any "tricks" that anyone can share would be much appreciated!! I did try the rice in a sock to warm up the ear & she bit it today! :)
 
:D

Very effective communicator that girl of yours, Jill!

Princess is getting some lovely numbers during the nadir period. In addition to the treats, lots of fusses and praise can help. If you're feeling anxious about the test, try pretending testing is the best thing ever!!! Our little ones are oh-so-good at picking up on our moods. I used to have to do a lot of 'fake it till ya make it' when I got stressy about testing.
 
I was able to test her BG(210) while she started to eat her dinner. How accurate will that be as a PMPS? I'm not sure how fast the food hits her system. I think the treats will help out a lot-she's very food motivated. She has no problem with her ins shot & even lays down for it. I guess she'll learn that the ear poke =treats! I'll definitely try the 'fake it' way! Thanks for the tip!!
 
Food starts to increase the glucose over about 2 hours, then the insulin may kick in and start lowering it. If you're using Novolin, be sure to feed 30 minutes before shooting.
 
She's always received her food & insulin together. She'll be happy to eat 30 mins earlier!
 
Try doing the poke on the paw pads. Goof hated having his ears poked and it was really hard for me, our vet suggested to pads. Works great!
 
I gave her some treats(Halo) in order to do her BG and she didn't even pay any attention to me! Will that effect her much? Can I give her some with all her BG tests? It was just a little bit all crumbled up but id like to get enough tests for a curve.... someday;) and I would like it to be as accurate as it can be.
Tammy,I did try the pads once but didn't get enough blood. How often do you all test? I feel bad bc her ears look all poked up! I did put some Neosporin on tonight. Hopefully that helps some.
 
I've heard that before about not getting enough blood, but there's a trick: pick kitty up and give a little snuggle while gently rubbing the paw you plan to poke with a downward motion, pulling blood down into the paw. Then after the poke, don't just squeeze the pad, but use a "pumping" action. I keep my forearm gently on top of Goof so I can use both hands, the blood comes quickly this way.

But, Some meters need a BIG blood drop, I use the AlphaTrak 2 meter with requires a blood drop only the size of the head of a stick pin.

The treats can affect the BG, but I wouldn't think too much if you're able to get the test within a few minutes of the treats. You could try some cooked chicken or bits of tuna, that wouldn't really do anything being that they're carb free.
 
I did my first testing today and was unsuccessful. Sadie isn't a very cooperative kitty. Food & treats don't really matter. I looked for veins in her ears and poked several times with zero success. So I tried her paws. Nothing from the middle pad so I tried a toe pad. Got a bit of blood from there but it wasn't enough for the meter. Did it twice unsuccessfully. So I gave up for the day so I don't stress her out too much. I'll have to wait for a day when I have more time. I would appreciate any suggestions or tips on getting a good draw. I think even my vet has a hard time getting enough when they do it.
 
TeresaJ1977 said:
I did my first testing today and was unsuccessful. Sadie isn't a very cooperative kitty. Food & treats don't really matter. I looked for veins in her ears and poked several times with zero success. So I tried her paws. Nothing from the middle pad so I tried a toe pad. Got a bit of blood from there but it wasn't enough for the meter. Did it twice unsuccessfully. So I gave up for the day so I don't stress her out too much. I'll have to wait for a day when I have more time. I would appreciate any suggestions or tips on getting a good draw. I think even my vet has a hard time getting enough when they do it.
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I had a hard time starting too. Once I started giving her treats it was completely different. Plus, I was more comfortable doing it. Warming the ear definitely helps. Now, a poke and plenty of blood for a test. I heard that the ear learns to bleed with time(?) Within a week it went from stressful to no problem, keep trying & you'll find what works for your cat. Without the treats it would be a nightmare! Good luck!
 
jillmerg said:
I feel bad bc her ears look all poked up!
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After testing, be sure to apply a little pressure with a piece of gauze or a tissue for a few seconds (I usually count to 15, under my breath). After that, you likely won't even notice any marks on her ears. If they're already somewhat marked up, try smoothing on a little Neosporin, then wiping off the excess. That will make her ears feel better. It also helps to contain a nice blood droplet the next time you test.
 
I was giving her a treat but she's typical Siamese LOL! Always the fighter! Her ears were warm and I did rub them quite a bit. I'm using a ReliOn.

I'll give it another go when I have time again soon :)
 
If you absolutely postively must.get.blood (ex possible hypo), you can aim directly for the vein.
If tapped, it may bleed profusely, so be prepared to get the droplet, then apply direct pressure to reduce bruising and scabbing.
 
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