Hey guys unfortunately my kitty was just diagnosed with diabetes. His fructose level for the blood test was 700 just took him off dry food. I have no idea what to do? I dont have much money. what's is the cheapest option for me in terms of giving insulin and buying a blood glucose monitor.? he is currently off dry food. please help. Thank you so much!!!
Toronto. Blood glucose monitor
- Thread starter Vino
- Start date
Bellasmom
Member Since 2018
Judy and Boomer
Member Since 2014
Hi there and welcome to the FDMB. I'm your neighbour....just down the 401 in London!
It's been a long time since I actually got one (my cat has been diabetic for over 5 years) but I believe in Canada you can get a meter for free with the purchase of strips. I use the one-touch ultra meter and test strips. Best place to buy is either Walmart or Costco.
I'm sorry, I don't have much time right now so hopefully someone else will pop in with all the important links etc to get you started. I will check in later!
It's been a long time since I actually got one (my cat has been diabetic for over 5 years) but I believe in Canada you can get a meter for free with the purchase of strips. I use the one-touch ultra meter and test strips. Best place to buy is either Walmart or Costco.
I'm sorry, I don't have much time right now so hopefully someone else will pop in with all the important links etc to get you started. I will check in later!
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Hi and welcome to FDMB from another Torontonian! Sorry you have to join us but glad you found us.
So glad you have changed your kitty's diet to wet food. That may bring about a drop in your kitty's glucose levels all by itself so I'd suggest you start testing now to see what kitty's levels are on the new diet in his normal environment as glucose levels can be significantly lower at home than they are in the vet's office. The fructosamine level you've indicated is quite high so I wouldn't put off starting insulin too long.
The best glucose meter options we have here in Canada for cost I believe are the Bravo meter available only at Diabetesexpress.ca. The meter is free with purchase of test strips and the test strips are about $40.00 for 100. It's the strips that add to costs and this meter's strips are the cheapest available in Canada. The caveat to this meter is that unless you live/work in Markham, there will be delivery costs unless you make a purchase over $200. This meter requires a blood drop sample slightly larger than optimal but still quite workable. Since the strips are only available at Diabetes Express, you would have to ensure that you always have an extra supply on hand as they are not available at any other local retailers.
The second option for least expensive strips I believe is the Freestyle Lite meter. The meter is free with purchase of 100 strips which run about $78 at Walmart. Costco may have better prices. There is a coupon for a free meter HERE. This meter requires the smallest drop of blood for testing and the strips are available at Walmart and most major pharmacies so you don't need to worry about delivery times or meeting free delivery amounts.
As Judy said, the One Touch Ultra is another good option however I believe the strips for that meter are slightly more expensive here in Toronto.
On the insulin front, your least expensive option would be a vial of Caninsulin (pet insulin). The problem with vials is that often the insulin goes off before it is used up so there can be a lot of waste. You can get Caninsulin in smaller cartridges which cost more up front but avoid the waste. Cheapest cost would be around $100 (Tax included) for over a years supply for the average cat. Caninsulin can work for some cats however a significant number of cats do not get the duration they need from it.
Just slightly more expensive would be Lantus (human insulin) cartridges. Cost would be roughly $120 (not taxable) for over a year's supply for most cats. Lantus is known to work extremely well in cats. ProZinc is the most expensive insulin option here.
Keep the questions coming. We're full of tips and tricks and can help you get your cat on the path to better health.
So glad you have changed your kitty's diet to wet food. That may bring about a drop in your kitty's glucose levels all by itself so I'd suggest you start testing now to see what kitty's levels are on the new diet in his normal environment as glucose levels can be significantly lower at home than they are in the vet's office. The fructosamine level you've indicated is quite high so I wouldn't put off starting insulin too long.
The best glucose meter options we have here in Canada for cost I believe are the Bravo meter available only at Diabetesexpress.ca. The meter is free with purchase of test strips and the test strips are about $40.00 for 100. It's the strips that add to costs and this meter's strips are the cheapest available in Canada. The caveat to this meter is that unless you live/work in Markham, there will be delivery costs unless you make a purchase over $200. This meter requires a blood drop sample slightly larger than optimal but still quite workable. Since the strips are only available at Diabetes Express, you would have to ensure that you always have an extra supply on hand as they are not available at any other local retailers.
The second option for least expensive strips I believe is the Freestyle Lite meter. The meter is free with purchase of 100 strips which run about $78 at Walmart. Costco may have better prices. There is a coupon for a free meter HERE. This meter requires the smallest drop of blood for testing and the strips are available at Walmart and most major pharmacies so you don't need to worry about delivery times or meeting free delivery amounts.
As Judy said, the One Touch Ultra is another good option however I believe the strips for that meter are slightly more expensive here in Toronto.
On the insulin front, your least expensive option would be a vial of Caninsulin (pet insulin). The problem with vials is that often the insulin goes off before it is used up so there can be a lot of waste. You can get Caninsulin in smaller cartridges which cost more up front but avoid the waste. Cheapest cost would be around $100 (Tax included) for over a years supply for the average cat. Caninsulin can work for some cats however a significant number of cats do not get the duration they need from it.
Just slightly more expensive would be Lantus (human insulin) cartridges. Cost would be roughly $120 (not taxable) for over a year's supply for most cats. Lantus is known to work extremely well in cats. ProZinc is the most expensive insulin option here.
Keep the questions coming. We're full of tips and tricks and can help you get your cat on the path to better health.
Thank you so much. Was just wondering if the human one good to use. my vet has an appointment for me and my kitty on Saturday. just was reading about options and heard I could just buy some lanax from shoppers or Costco. just wanted to know about the reader and how or if a human one can work? My vet is super expensive. pretty much cost me 500 dollars to get the diagnosis of him being diabetic.
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Hi Vino,
Welcome to the Lantus Basaglar and Levemir group! I am also from Canada. A few additional details could help us support you during this challenging time. Specifically which insulin did your vet prescribe for you?
It would also be really helpful if you could set up a signature (light grey text under a post) that will tell us some important details about your kitty so that you don't get asked the same questions over and over. Here's how:
It's awesome that your cat is already on a wet food diet! I feed Mowgli Fancy Feast Pate and Friskies pate. I watch Pet Valu because both often go on sale for 10/$5.
If you are really financially strapped you can look into a program called Diabetic Cats in Need (you can find the group on facebook) I believe they have requirements and I am not sure if it applies to Canadian kitties but it might be worth looking into.
With taking steps toward testing and having your cat on a wet food diet you are definitely helping your cat so much! Great job, and good luck
Welcome to the Lantus Basaglar and Levemir group! I am also from Canada. A few additional details could help us support you during this challenging time. Specifically which insulin did your vet prescribe for you?
It would also be really helpful if you could set up a signature (light grey text under a post) that will tell us some important details about your kitty so that you don't get asked the same questions over and over. Here's how:
- Click on your name in the upper right corner of this page
- Click on "signature" in the menu that drops down
- Type the following in the box that opens: kitty's name/age/date of diabetes diagnosis/insulin you're using and dosage amount /glucose meter you're using/what (s)he eats/any other meds or health issues (s)he has. You can add your name, and a geographic location (sometimes the country/time zone matters) Be sure to SAVE when you are finished.
- http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
- http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/understanding-the-spreadsheet-grid.156606/
It's awesome that your cat is already on a wet food diet! I feed Mowgli Fancy Feast Pate and Friskies pate. I watch Pet Valu because both often go on sale for 10/$5.
If you are really financially strapped you can look into a program called Diabetic Cats in Need (you can find the group on facebook) I believe they have requirements and I am not sure if it applies to Canadian kitties but it might be worth looking into.
With taking steps toward testing and having your cat on a wet food diet you are definitely helping your cat so much! Great job, and good luck
Red & Rover (GA)
Member Since 2016
Hello from the Kawarthas. Overall, Lantus is your best bet. It is a bit more expensive but cats respond much better to it. If you drop a vial or need a new vial for whatever reason, you don't have to wait for the vet to open. Lantus comes in a pack of 5 that will last at least a year.
I used the FreeStyle Lite. Strips are expensive in Canada. You can use PC Optimum points to cut the cost. If you are a senior or have a senior family member or friend, you can take advantage of senior day at Shoppers Drug Mart.
I had a Bravo meter as a back-up meter. I found it read slightly higher than the FreeStyle Lite. It does take a larger drop of blood than the FreeStyle Lite. If you decide to go with the Bravo meter, you should have a minimum 400 strips on hand (keeping a container of 100 strips in an emergency hypoglycemic / low numbers kit), and never wait until the last minute to re-order strips. You do not want to get caught without strips if your cat is experiencing low numbers.
I used the FreeStyle Lite. Strips are expensive in Canada. You can use PC Optimum points to cut the cost. If you are a senior or have a senior family member or friend, you can take advantage of senior day at Shoppers Drug Mart.
I had a Bravo meter as a back-up meter. I found it read slightly higher than the FreeStyle Lite. It does take a larger drop of blood than the FreeStyle Lite. If you decide to go with the Bravo meter, you should have a minimum 400 strips on hand (keeping a container of 100 strips in an emergency hypoglycemic / low numbers kit), and never wait until the last minute to re-order strips. You do not want to get caught without strips if your cat is experiencing low numbers.
Bobbie And Bubba
Member Since 2015
@Judy and Boomer mentioned Costco and Walmart. If you have access to Walmart I would suggest getting the Relion Prime ( their brand ) the strips in the US run $9 / 50, very affordable. That’s what I use.
And you could try Mark’s Marine Pharmacy in Canada, for Lantus their prices are very good!
And you could try Mark’s Marine Pharmacy in Canada, for Lantus their prices are very good!
Judy and Boomer
Member Since 2014
I just looked up the prices at Marks Marine. For some reason it's giving me the prices in US...for a bottle of lantus it's $110 US (about $144 CAD).....I buy it at Costco or our Metro (its a grocery store chain) pharmacy for $110 CAD
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Walmart doesn't market their own brand here. 
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
You don't have to convert anything. If you use the spreadsheet available here, it automatically converts our Canadian BG readings to US readings as they use a different scale to measure BG.
Normal BG range for a cat using a human meter is 2.8 mmol (50 mg US) to 6.7 mmol (120 mg US). The human meter will read lower than a pet meter and your vet may use a pet meter. There is no way to convert human meter readings to pet meter or vice versa.
Normal BG range for a cat using a human meter is 2.8 mmol (50 mg US) to 6.7 mmol (120 mg US). The human meter will read lower than a pet meter and your vet may use a pet meter. There is no way to convert human meter readings to pet meter or vice versa.
Bobbie And Bubba
Member Since 2015
That is a bummer!!!
Bobbie And Bubba
Member Since 2015
Definitely use Lantus! It’s longer lasting gentler insulin that Caninsulin. You will not get the fast harsh drops with Lantus like you might with Caninsulin.
Plus, there is a protocol to follow with Lantus which makes it easier for the human.
Bobbie And Bubba
Member Since 2015
They will sell just one Solo Star pen at at time. Last I ordered one it was 49 US dollars and the shipping was 74. It was about the same as Walmart as my Walmart will sell one pen at a time also. It helps with the finances.
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
@Bobbie And Bubba We get a box of 5 cartridges here....we don't have Solo Star pens. We can pick up Lantus in any pharmacy without a prescription so don't have to order it online. At Walmart, 5 cartridges were under $120 CDN the last time I bought it. Whether Walmart, Costco or any other pharmacy will sell just one cartridge at a time I don't know. You folks in the US can get bargains on meters/strips and syringes and we get the bargain only on the insulin!
Crista & Ming
Member Since 2018
If you choose Lantus, we can help you figure out a starting dose. Sometimes vets start too high.
You can also get insulin without a prescription in Canada.
You can also get insulin without a prescription in Canada.
Crista & Ming
Member Since 2018
Also I would most likely do a couple of BG readings for a day before you start insulin. The change in food might have already helped.
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Hi Vino,
I was started on caninsulin with Mowgli and quickly saw that it wouldn't work for my lifestyle... meaning someone who works during the week without being able to stop back at home. There are two main reasons that I would not choose caninsulin over Lantus.
ETA (edited to add) also, I wasnt meaning to imply you have to do this behind your vets back.. definitely bring Lantus up to them, let them know you've done your research and you're more interested in a longer acting insulin because of your schedule I re-read my post and thought to myself... i look very anti-vet... not true, definitely consult with your vet... but if you decide you would like to use Lantus and your vet wont support you then you can just buy Lantus and get some support here. Additionally, once you start gathering some data, your vet may get on board
I was started on caninsulin with Mowgli and quickly saw that it wouldn't work for my lifestyle... meaning someone who works during the week without being able to stop back at home. There are two main reasons that I would not choose caninsulin over Lantus.
- Lifestyle / Safety- Caninsulin is a very needy insulin. With caninsulin you have to MAKE SURE your cat eats immediately before giving a dose, this is because the insulin is fast acting and can hit hard, there is a large risk of Hypo if your cat doesn't eat before getting the insulin, so if your cat won't eat you're basically forced to skip a shot, and consistency is pretty key if you want your cat to have potential for remission. If you're at home most of the time this might not be a problem for you, but for me it made it so hard to use for when I was going to be away at work all day, I also had to wake up even earlier to ensure Mowgli would eat. With Lantus depending on the BG level in your cat you can shoot and just leave food out of course you want to be sure your cat is eating but if you know your cat is a very good eater then you don't have to worry as much about giving a shot if your cat didn't feel like eating before you leave the house.
- Money - although Caninsulin is initially less money than Lantus, it is also much less durable, it expires before Lantus expires and it is easier to contaminate making it loose efficacy sooner than intended.... in other words you have to throw it out before you finish it = wasted $$. The Lantus pens come in a set of 5 3mL pens and they will last you all year. With cats, if you keep Lantus in the fridge it won't expire (the 28 day expiry date only applies if you keep the insulin out of the fridge) Unopened Lantus pens will last a couple of years(just bought 5 lantus pens in march and they dont expire until 2021). So you will definitely get your moneys worth. Additionally if you end up contaminating one of the pens you have your 4 other pens that aren't yet contaminated, so you don't contaminate your whole supply at once... to me 5 Lantus pens = best bang for your buck . Ex: 1 vial caninsulin =approx $60 and expires in 28 days, you will use about half to 3/4 a vial in a month so you would have to buy another vial the next month. I am on my second Lantus pen in 4.5 months and paid ~120 for 5 pens, already I have paid the same amount as 2 vials of caninsulin which would have only covered 2 months. BTW I kept my first pen out of the fridge so it lost efficacy sooner than it should have if i would have stored it properly.
ETA (edited to add) also, I wasnt meaning to imply you have to do this behind your vets back.. definitely bring Lantus up to them, let them know you've done your research and you're more interested in a longer acting insulin because of your schedule
I re-read my post and thought to myself... i look very anti-vet... not true, definitely consult with your vet... but if you decide you would like to use Lantus and your vet wont support you then you can just buy Lantus and get some support here. Additionally, once you start gathering some data, your vet may get on board
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Tomlin
Member Since 2019
Hi Vino,
I second what others have already stated. Vetsulin has what is described as a "V Curve" when you look at blood glucose throughout the day....so up then a large drop then back up. The need to make sure my T ate enough food prior to giving the insulin was a bit stressful!
I second what others have already stated. Vetsulin has what is described as a "V Curve" when you look at blood glucose throughout the day....so up then a large drop then back up. The need to make sure my T ate enough food prior to giving the insulin was a bit stressful!
Hello and welcome from the west coast of Canada. Shop around, I did find big price differences for diabetic supplies. Out west here, Safeway pharmacy was surprisingly cheaper than most other places. Don’t forget eBay, many Canadian members have found good test strip prices there. It’s the test strips that are the priciest things to buy. I am lucky that I live near enough the border that I had a US post box and got supplies shipped there.
I started with Caninsulin, both Neko and my pocketbook were much happier when we switched to Lantus. I presume you are thinking Lantus cause you posted here.
I started with Caninsulin, both Neko and my pocketbook were much happier when we switched to Lantus. I presume you are thinking Lantus cause you posted here.
Available only in the US. Or if you cross border shop. You can find reshippers in the US who will receive your order and then send it on to you, but there is quite a delay in getting the product. We had one member that I know of do this, she was in northern Alberta where selection was slim.
I am waiting for the Vet to call me back and talk to me about lantus. I have told the reception how I would be more intrested in using that her voice of tone kind of changed. I do work 5 days a week so it would be a better option from what i am hearing from you guys. In terms of doing BG tests is it just done on the ears capillaries (YouTubed it). and rotate ears constantly? How much times a day should I do it? before meals or after meals? And I would like help with dosing . My kitty is 7.27 kg and 8years of age. Should I go in for the demo of injection, I am familiar with insulin injections as one of my family members is diabetic. And for my kitty am I supposed to inject of rotations between the back of the neck and the skin around the back? draw back to make sure no blood is drawn and then inject? If you guys could help me out with the dosing would be awesome. and if you guys no where I could get the link for the spreadsheet that converts the BG would be even better. honestly can't say how much info I've learned from you guys. I feel like many vets here in Toronto money grab they dont want to give estimates to nothing. Thank you so Much guys!!
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Nice! If you really like your vet and they still do not support Lantus, many members here use their normal vet for regular checkups and tests, and a separate vet for Diabetes... since you're in Toronto you should have no problem finding a vet that supports Lantus
A lot of vets are stuck in the past about treating feline diabetes and push Caninsulin like it's the only option.. we know that isn't true Yes the capillaries along the edge of the ear, between the vein that runs along the edge of the ear and the actual outside of the ear
I recommend a 28 gauge lancet for starting your testing. There are diagrams in the stickies at the top of the main health forum and on the main page How much you test will depend on the dosage method that you choose here. When it comes to dosing with Lantus we follow two methods here: Start Low Go Slow, and Tight Regulation. Have a look at the description of these methods Here and decide which one is best for you. Once you decide, add it to your signature so that members here can provide feedback for dosing as you move ahead. (see my above post for directions on how to set up a signature). TR requires more testing and SLGS requires less. At the minimum you should test before each shot we call these the pre-shots AMPS for the morning pre-shot and PMPS for the evening pre-shot. It is also very useful to grab a test before you go to bed in order to ensure your cat isn't in any danger before you head to bed, as cats BG levels often go lower at night than in the day time.
Personally, if it's at no cost to you I would get your vet to show you how... usually a vet tech should be able to show you so that you dont have to pay as much. That being said there are a lot of videos that you can watch to help you along. I wouldn't say it's exactly the same as sticking a human though... especially when it comes to predictability of movement.
Sneaky and maybe unpopular suggestion: If you have a family member that is diabetic... you might be able to work something out with them to source cheaper diabetic supplies... sorry if that's kind of unethical but hey! what is family for?
My previous post (#8) has the link covering how to set up your spreadsheet, since you're Canadian you use the "world" spreadsheet. That version includes a sheet that automatically converts to the american numbers (just multiply Canadian by 18)
This forum is amazing and so supportive! I'm also so glad I found it, and I learn something new every day.
Some general advice if you are committing to Lantus: definitely read all the stickies at the top of the forum here, especially around how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia and learn the information about how Lantus is a depot insulin and how it works. You will have to wait a few days for the Lantus to kick in since it is depot style and you will need to wait for the depot to build. Don’t be discouraged it takes a few days.
Post daily if you can, only one post a day since it’s a busy forum, make your title in the following general format:
Date, Cat’s Name, AMPS value, additional testing values during the day, PMPS value.
Additional testing values are good to add to the title if you have them because experienced members may be able to notice if your cat has entered a dangerous situation that needs action, or may be able to provide feedback on dosage amounts. You can edit the title with updates on your latest tests as the day goes by or add a question to the title if you end up with a question by the end of the day.
In your post link the previous days post at the beginning so that members can easily follow your progress backward and provide more valuable feedback.
Let us know how everything goes with your vet!! Good luck!!!
Randi & Max (GA)
Member Since 2009
Hi
You are in a great place. Thought I would give you my take since I am in Montreal.
9 years ago my Max was d/x diabetic. Started on caninsulin which my vet gave me and I did not know better.
I did my own research, found FDMB and new the only chance I had in getting him of insulin was to become a devoted member here and switch to Lantus.
The people here and myself worked so hard, with no input from my vet and after 4 months of going up to a pretty high dose, Max went OTJ (off the juice) where he stayed diet controlled until he passed in his sleep 2 years later.
My vet just rolled her eyes at me but at the end of the day, Max was my cat, not theirs so you have to do what is best for you and your kitty.
Now unfortunately the meter/strip situation is not good here in Canada. We get a break on the insulin but the US has much better meters and strips.
Lucky I am an hour from the border so I headed into the US walmart to pick up the Relion Prime ($9) and test strips $18 for 100. (I have a new semi diabetic now) so I just did that trip a couple of weeks ago. I had a one touch ultra mini but strips are $53 for 50. We test a lot here so trying to get your hand on US meter and strips would be great.
Take a deep breath, asl many questions. The people here are incredible. You will do great!!
You are in a great place. Thought I would give you my take since I am in Montreal.
9 years ago my Max was d/x diabetic. Started on caninsulin which my vet gave me and I did not know better.
I did my own research, found FDMB and new the only chance I had in getting him of insulin was to become a devoted member here and switch to Lantus.
The people here and myself worked so hard, with no input from my vet and after 4 months of going up to a pretty high dose, Max went OTJ (off the juice) where he stayed diet controlled until he passed in his sleep 2 years later.
My vet just rolled her eyes at me but at the end of the day, Max was my cat, not theirs so you have to do what is best for you and your kitty.
Now unfortunately the meter/strip situation is not good here in Canada. We get a break on the insulin but the US has much better meters and strips.
Lucky I am an hour from the border so I headed into the US walmart to pick up the Relion Prime ($9) and test strips $18 for 100. (I have a new semi diabetic now) so I just did that trip a couple of weeks ago. I had a one touch ultra mini but strips are $53 for 50. We test a lot here so trying to get your hand on US meter and strips would be great.
Take a deep breath, asl many questions. The people here are incredible. You will do great!!
carfurby (GA)
Member Since 2012
No, you should not shake or roll the vial.
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Sound like you got 0.5ml syringes and if so, then they hold a 1/2 ml or 50 units of insulin. We don't measure insulin in ml. We measure in units and that is the line markings on the syringe itself where it says 1,2, etc. . Better to get the 3/10ml syringes with half unit markings to be able to micro dose as we make dose changes in 0.25u which are far easier to do with smaller syringe with half unit markings. You can use the 0.5ml syringes for full unit dosing so they won't go to waste.
Make sure you are not poking the vein but rather the sweet spot right along the edge of the upper ear. Also hold pressure on the puncture site for a few second after you test to prevent bruising. The cat's ears are not nearly as sensitive as our fingertips but hitting the vein will definitely be more sensitive for kitty.
Thank you, im just a little confused. The posts above I believe told me to get the BD syringes that were 0.5ml I believe thought that was the one I needed. So the syringes are 0.5 ml. I want to start giving my kitty about 0.5 units rights. what measure would that be if the needles increment readings go up to 5 where would I have to draw to? it goes up by 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 etc. Just a little confused.
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Can you send a picture of the box of syringes that you bought? Since there is a little confusion It will be good if we can just see what the box says. is the box like this?
If so each line represents a half unit (0.5u) The image below compares markings of a 0.5u marked syringe (left) and a 1u marked syringe(right)
Does that help?
AmandaE
Member Since 2019
Maybe not, see @MrWorfMen's Mom 's post (#34) she made a comment that you may be able to use your syringes for full unit dosing.
Linda, could you elaborate for Vino, as I feel like this one is a little over my head
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Vino, the 0.5ml syringes have markings that go up to 50 units. When we give insulin, you may give a full units or partial units. If you are giving a full unit dose, you can use the 0.5ml syringe and draw the insulin up to the first short line on the syringe.
Here is a picture of what the markings on your 0.5ml syringe should look like. Can you confirm this is what is on your 0.5ml syringes?
If this is what you have then use those syringes when giving full unit doses. When you want to give a dose of .5 units or 1.5u for example, you would use the 0.3ml syringe with the half unit markings.
Does that make sense now?
Here is a picture of what the markings on your 0.5ml syringe should look like. Can you confirm this is what is on your 0.5ml syringes?
If this is what you have then use those syringes when giving full unit doses. When you want to give a dose of .5 units or 1.5u for example, you would use the 0.3ml syringe with the half unit markings.
Does that make sense now?
make so much sense thank you soo much!! The insulin part is not bad in terms of sdministering. but the pricking the ears is so hard. I feel like I'll go through the tips of the ears. and I can tells its painfull . he doesnt stay still for that and his ears keep moving. pretty difficult.
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Testing gets easier the more you do it. It shouldn't be painful but they don't necessarily like us holding onto their ears. And yes they often do have the tendency to move their ears or heads around so it's all a matter of getting a routine that works for you. Bribery works wonders to get kitty to co-operate so use low carb treats or some poached chicken or tuna, or whatever to promote Rocky's co-operation. As yo utest more, Rocky will grow more capillaries making it easier and faster to get a sample. You can also try warming his ear before testing to promote blood flow.
If you continue to have issues and need more hands on help/demo, just holler.
If you continue to have issues and need more hands on help/demo, just holler.
Thank you I will keep you guys posted in regards to the glucose testing. Hes just a hyperactive boy he just knows its coming. In time hopefully he calms up when it becomes a norm. The thing with the bribery trick is he doesnt stay still. he get more excited. I'm going to try and put him in his carrier with the top half off when I try again. hopefully it helps keep him in one spot.. He doesnt like to get held for too long so that's hard as well. Makes me nervous when he gets nervous. almost want to give up with the prict testing at some points.
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
One other thing I don't think has been mentioned. You are probably using lancets that are 30, 31 or even 33 gauge. Get some 28 gauge lancets getting a sample is problematic. A slightly larger lancet makes it easier to get a large enough sample first time.
Also if Rocky won't sit still, grab the bead of blood on a clean finger nail and test from there. That way you don't have to hold his ear as long.
Also if Rocky won't sit still, grab the bead of blood on a clean finger nail and test from there. That way you don't have to hold his ear as long.