The Ears

Status
Not open for further replies.
RobbiesMom

RobbiesMom

Active Member
This was an issue first time around also - Robbie being a Maine Coon has these very big ears - probably makes it easier to prick them. First time around he HATED this and was very difficult - this time he's pretty good, cooperative almost. Maybe making sure I give him a little treat every time I do it helps. However his poor ears already look like hell... all bruised up and than today I guess I got too close to the edge and he has a big blood blister type thing now - well not htat big but still he wouldn't let me TOUCH that ear when I went back. Any tricks that could be shared? How do you all deal with the constant marking up of their ears I can't believe it doesn't hurt and from the way Robbie flinched when I went back to touch that ear again I guess sometimes it does hurt.
I'd love to hear thoughts- thank you.
 
Some people use the neosporin w/ pain relief after they poke. Grayson's are sensitive sometimes, but have never bruised or blistered. You may want to try a smaller lancet. Last time I picked some up, I got both the 26 and the 30 gauge. I like the bigger ones, but I think the smaller are better received by him. Hopefully some others will have some great tricks to share.
 
KT is also a Maine Coon mix with white and pink ears....still! Here's what I've learned:

Use the smallest lancet size you can to get the blood drop you need. I think ours are 30 gauge. I have to use the deepest setting on my lancet pen first thing in morning but dial it back as his ears get warm thru day.

When you finish, hold light pressure with cloth, tissue, paper towel, pad, whatever...for 15-20 seconds and even rub a little if he doesn't act like it hurts or annoys. A bruise is blood leaked between skin layers - applying pressure seals the puncture instead. I use cotton cosmetic pads, hold half behind his ear while poking/testing then just fold it over the edge and apply pressure.

Use neosporin OINTMENT with pain relief (not the cream) as often as you notice it's needed.

It will get better - promise!!

HUG,
 
We use a 33 guage and we don't use the lancet pen, we "free hand" it as per our vets recommendation as it is easier to hit the right spot that way rather than trying to line up the pen. Some light pressure afterwards with some sterile gauze as well.

Hope all goes well with testing!

Tanya and Elie
 
I second the applying pressure/neosporin + Pain relief suggestion. I use a tissue or piece of tp to back his ear when I poke (I use the lancet device), and then use it to put pressure on the spot. Then a little dab of N + PR after and his ears look perfect. I still use 26g, too.
 
I have no idea what gauge I use - I have diabetes too and use my testing equipment as it's all covered by insurance. I have to find out the gauge I guess - Last time around it was so hard to get blood out of his ears - now they bleed all over the place. They are very warm and the vet took his temperature and it was normal - I don' t know what that's about but I hold his ear, rub it a bit use the pen lancet (I find it easier than freehanding and his ears are so big I can see the veins pretty easily too as long as I'm in light) and as long as I'm near the edge and aiming for the veins it works great - except that he ends up with these bruises which make me feel awful and I am concerned are painful for him. I am trying the N+PR too - We'll see how it goes and thanks for the input.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top