Trouble getting BG tests.

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Clark

Clark

Member Since 2017
Charlie has just been diagnosed. 5 days. She is peeing normal again. 2 a day. After the first injection she responded quite fast. No other health concerns. Im concerned about insulin shock. I've switched to just high protein and having trouble getting blood from her ear. should I give her a few treats higher in carbs untill I see vet and or can check myself?
 
what are the issues you are having with home testing? If you are ok with poking the ear, but just not getting enough blood, perhaps you need bigger lancets. Try 26 or 28 gauge lancets (smaller numbers are bigger than higher numbers, so a 28 gauge lancet is bigger than a 31 gauge lancet). don't be afraid to poke all the way through.

What dose and type of insulin is Charlie on?
 
JanetNJ said:
what are the issues you are having with home testing? If you are ok with poking the ear, but just not getting enough blood, perhaps you need bigger lancets. Try 26 or 28 gauge lancets (smaller numbers are bigger than higher numbers, so a 28 gauge lancet is bigger than a 31 gauge lancet). don't be afraid to poke all the way through.

What dose and type of insulin is Charlie on?
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2 units caninsulin. Porcine zinc. Im just nervous about hurting her. The last time I tried I just used the Lancet. I just have to poke harder I think. I was getting no blood.
 
Clark said:
2 units caninsulin. Porcine zinc. Im just nervous about hurting her. The last time I tried I just used the Lancet. I just have to poke harder I think. I was getting no blood.
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Trust me when I tell you that to poke all the way through doesn't hurt any more than a partial poke. If you watch the testing video I made with my cat CC in my signature below, you will see she barely flinched for the poke, and I can tell you I definitely went all the way through that time because I wanted to be sure to get a big enough sample for the video.

2 units is a relatively large starting dose... most people start on just 1 unit... so it would be perfectly reasonable and safer to start at 1 unit, esp. since you haven't perfected your testing skills yet. I didn't test my cat for the first six weeks until my vet raised my dose to 2 and it got me nervous... that gave me the motivation to begin home testing. I also want to say it took me at least a good 10 days before I was consistently able to get a sample without having to try multiple times, so have patience with the process and know that it will get easier as you get a routine, and as Charlie's ears start to grow new capillaries to bleed easier. IF I WERE YOU I would only do 1 unit twice a day until you get more data. that will also lower the chances of your cat dropping too low until you get the testing down.
 
Be sure to get her ear nice and warm. Vigorously rub it or use a sock with rice warmed in the microwave.
 
Y
JanetNJ said:
Trust me when I tell you that to poke all the way through doesn't hurt any more than a partial poke. If you watch the testing video I made with my cat CC in my signature below, you will see she barely flinched for the poke, and I can tell you I definitely went all the way through that time because I wanted to be sure to get a big enough sample for the video.

2 units is a relatively large starting dose... most people start on just 1 unit... so it would be perfectly reasonable and safer to start at 1 unit, esp. since you haven't perfected your testing skills yet. I didn't test my cat for the first six weeks until my vet raised my dose to 2 and it got me nervous... that gave me the motivation to begin home testing. I also want to say it took me at least a good 10 days before I was consistently able to get a sample without having to try multiple times, so have patience with the process and know that it will get easier as you get a routine, and as Charlie's ears start to grow new capillaries to bleed easier. IF I WERE YOU I would only do 1 unit twice a day until you get more data. that will also lower the chances of your cat dropping too low until you get the testing down.
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The vet told me 2 units. But he also sold me dry food and wet food that had gravy in it. Which I hear is high in carbs. Lowering dosage can't hurt her? It's just safer correct? Also since I have her on all wet food. Fancy feast. I'll try to get blood again. Just have to poke harder. And I did use a rice bag.
 
Warm the ear first with a sock filled with rice and closed off. I warm mine in the microwave for about 30 secs. Then hold it against the ear until the ear is warmer then your cats body. (careful not to burn)
Then take your lancet and pierce the ear about 3 mm away from the edge. There is a vein that runs along the inside of the outer edge of the ear.
Between this vein and the edge is the best part to pierce. If your using a lancet device set it at the deepest and hold a tissue behind it as you poke.
It gets easier with practice I promise. There are some great videos on YouTube showing details. What kind of monitor are you using?
Good luck!
 
2 units of caninsulin seems high to me as well. My cat has been on 1u or less since we were diagnosed.
Caninsulin works quickly- 1.5 to 2 hours and is a steep drop in BGL. Try to make sure you feed about 20 mins before testing and dosing. I also make sure my cat has access to food during the next few hours after insulin is given.
 
CassWTribby said:
Warm the ear first with a sock filled with rice and closed off. I warm mine in the microwave for about 30 secs. Then hold it against the ear until the ear is warmer then your cats body. (careful not to burn)
Then take your lancet and pierce the ear about 3 mm away from the edge. There is a vein that runs along the inside of the outer edge of the ear.
Between this vein and the edge is the best part to pierce. If your using a lancet device set it at the deepest and hold a tissue behind it as you poke.
It gets easier with practice I promise. There are some great videos on YouTube showing details. What kind of monitor are you using?
Good luck!
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I've tried many times I watched many videos. She flinches. So it must be pricking her. I feel out of control not knowing what her BG level is. But in home with her most days so she gets fed every couple hours. And I can keep an eye on her.
 
What size/type of lancet are you using?
You can also test her paw pad. Give that a try maybe?
Can someone help by holding her for you? Distract her with some treats or a good scratch in her favorite place?
If you cannot get a sample after 2 pokes I would leave it for the next time.
 
Clark said:
I've tried many times I watched many videos. She flinches. So it must be pricking her. I feel out of control not knowing what her BG level is. But in home with her most days so she gets fed every couple hours. And I can keep an eye on her.
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I test Chloe on my bed. I straddle her and use the heated rice sock. Sometimes, she flinches before I even poke. Just take your time, you'll get the hang of it.
You can also test her paw pad. I've tried this, but have come to the conclusion that it takes 2 people. She bolts.
 
Until she gets regulated, her body can not use the food efficiently and so she will need more than normal. How is her weight? If it's good and she's holding steady, then you're feeding enough. If she needs to gain, increase the amount you feed. How many times a day are you feeding? It's best to feed multiple times a day.
 
Take a big breath, It gets easier with time ( not that this helps you very much right now I know) try to stay calmed ( also easier said than done ) because Charlie can sense your nerves and gets more nervous herself.

You will get the hang of where is best to prick her in the mean time just try as some here have told you near the edge of her ear, about the middle of the ear at least that's Babu's best spot, I found it by trial and error since up to date I can't see the veins because he has a lot of hair in his ears on both sides also I found it easier if I place the lancet in a 45° angle, and go for it, the first time I finally got blood out with Babu I actually went all the way through, lots of blood came out and the hole so was big I started considering buying him an earring to wear, but he healed just ok, I actually think the insulin shoot bothered him more than the prick and I also say to myself that if I don't taking him to the vet to get tested or worse for not knowing how low he's going, will really make him more uncomfortable and nervous than me pricking him, so I close my eyes ( not really just mentally because I could miss the drop if I did ) and go for it
 
Sharon14 said:
Until she gets regulated, her body can not use the food efficiently and so she will need more than normal. How is her weight? If it's good and she's holding steady, then you're feeding enough. If she needs to gain, increase the amount you feed. How many times a day are you feeding? It's best to feed multiple times a day.
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Probably few pounds over. But there was no really weight change. She responded to first insulin shot and stoped peeing so often. Along with drinking so much water. She eats one or two bigger meals then snacks during the day. I think 1 1/2 small Fancy feast a day. Since I started her. She just stays buy her bowl untill I give her enough. Then few cuddles and play and off to sleep. I just watch her behaviour so closely now.
 
Clark said:
How much should eating. She keeps wanting more. I gave her 2 units at 6:50. She is a medium size cat. Two cans a day of fancy feast is that to much.
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It might not be enough food. Until her BG is under control her body can't properly use food. She's actually starving. How does her weight seem to you? If she's thin feed her as much as she wants but in several small meals throughout the day.
 
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Clark said:
I just watch her behaviour so closely now.
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I know that feeling. When my cat was first diagnosed I followed him everywhere and if he was in a deep sleep I'd wake him up to see if he was ok! Home testing will help alleviate any fears of hypo and help you get Charlie regulated faster.
 
Kris & Teasel said:
It might not be enough food. Until her BG is under control her body can't properly use food. She's actually starving. How does her weight seems to you? If she's thin feed her as much as she wants but in several small meals throughout the day.
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Clark said:
Probably few pounds over. But there was no really weight change. She responded to first insulin shot and stoped peeing so often. Along with drinking so much water. She eats one or two bigger meals then snacks during the day. I think 1 1/2 small Fancy feast a day. Since I started her. She just stays buy her bowl untill I give her enough. Then few cuddles and play and off to sleep. I just watch her behaviour so closely now.
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I know the feeling, even now I worry if he does something slightly different, and actually the first time I was able to get a test was because he wasn't moving very much, I thought he was going hypo so I grabbed him and told him sorry I have to know it turned out he was just sleeping heavily and more on the high end of BG but still.
 
I'm just about in the same boat, Clark, maybe a little further along. Janet's video helped me a lot. I can't really describe what I was doing wrong, it's as if I was trying to slip into the vein in Bodies' ear. After watching the video, I did more of a poke. It helped when she said don't worry about going through the ear, as long as you have a cotton pad behind it and don't hit your finger on the other side or something! Also did you see that diagram of the ear with the 'sweet spot'? If you aim for that you will get it. I know my anxiety also had a lot to do with us all getting too upset to get it right. One time I tried three times in a row and had to give up. The cat was so mad! Today I got four readings two hours apart all by myself! He wasn't thrilled but I think he's getting it. Don't give up. It's hard not to think it's harmful to Charlie. But it's helping him get better.
 
Veronica & Babu-chiri said:
I know the feeling, even now I worry if he does something slightly different, and actually the first time I was able to get a test was because he wasn't moving very much, I thought he was going hypo so I grabbed him and told him sorry I have to know it turned out he was just sleeping heavily and more on the high end of BG but still.
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Yup. Glad im not alone thanks.
 
Bodinator said:
I'm just about in the same boat, Clark, maybe a little further along. Janet's video helped me a lot. I can't really describe what I was doing wrong, it's as if I was trying to slip into the vein in Bodies' ear. After watching the video, I did more of a poke. It helped when she said don't worry about going through the ear, as long as you have a cotton pad behind it and don't hit your finger on the other side or something! Also did you see that diagram of the ear with the 'sweet spot'? If you aim for that you will get it. I know my anxiety also had a lot to do with us all getting too upset to get it right. One time I tried three times in a row and had to give up. The cat was so mad! Today I got four readings two hours apart all by myself! He wasn't thrilled but I think he's getting it. Don't give up. It's hard not to think it's harmful to Charlie. But it's helping him get better.
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Thanks. Im trying again tonight. I'll do it at 45 degree angle and rember the poke.
 
Now that you've gotten some nice advice, I'm going to slip my newbie links in here ;). Oh and it's important to give a treat or do something Charlie really enjoys after each test, even if you are unsuccessful. He'll start to associate the routine with something good :cat:

Many of us check on many threads on the forum so keeping track of everyone's information is a memory test, if you wouldn't mind setting up your Signature for Charlie it would be very helpful as you continue to post :cat:: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/

Once you get better at home testing, here is our Spreadsheet template that we use to track BG numbers and share with other members: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

Lastly, I like to give this to new members to read ahead of time and hope you never need!: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/

Also, here is another video of a member (Sieden) testing her Peanut:

And the diagram Bodie's bean was referring to:
img_3612-jpg.27151
 
Yong said:
Now that you've gotten some nice advice, I'm going to slip my newbie links in here ;). Oh and it's important to give a treat or do something Charlie really enjoys after each test, even if you are unsuccessful. He'll start to associate the routine with something good :cat:

Many of us check on many threads on the forum so keeping track of everyone's information is a memory test, if you wouldn't mind setting up your Signature for Charlie it would be very helpful as you continue to post :cat:: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/

Once you get better at home testing, here is our Spreadsheet template that we use to track BG numbers and share with other members: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

Lastly, I like to give this to new members to read ahead of time and hope you never need!: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/

Also, here is another video of a member (Sieden) testing her Peanut:

And the diagram Bodie's bean was referring to:
img_3612-jpg.27151
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If Charlie dose not eat before her dose should I reduce it? Poce zinc. I think she ate to much during the day.
 
Apologies for calling Charlie a boy :facepalm:. This is also the 2nd reason to take up food 2 hours prior to Pre-shot time ;). You can just call it Caninsulin :). I believe your dose for her is 2.0U? Since it's a faster onset insulin, if she isn't wanting to eat and you are still working on home testing (no mal implication, just re-stating), I'd err on side of caution and skip. See if anyone else comments in a couple minutes :)
 
Yong said:
Apologies for calling Charlie a boy :facepalm:. This is also the 2nd reason to take up food 2 hours prior to Pre-shot time ;). You can just call it Caninsulin :). I believe your dose for her is 2.0U? Since it's a faster onset insulin, if she isn't wanting to eat and you are still working on home testing (no mal implication, just re-stating), I'd err on side of caution and skip. See if anyone else comments in a couple minutes :)
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I'm inclined to agree. A 2 u dose of Caninsulin when she doesn't want to eat and you haven't got the testing thing up and running reliably yet is a dicey situation. No shot tonight.
 
Clark said:
Got blood!! 8.6 154. Ate about 4 hours ago
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Definitely no shot tonight! That's an excellent number. :) I read in an earlier post that you gave 2 units this AM. This fairly low pre shot number tells me she might have gone too low for comfort in the middle of the cycle. Caninsulin tends to drop them quickly and to a low level. That's why testing is so important. This pre shot BG also suggests that the 2 unit dose is too high.

If it was my cat, I'd drop down to 1 unit twice a day starting tomorrow AM. She'll be high in the morning because of the missed shot but that's not a problem. Going too low is much more dangerous. I'd also get the testing thing nailed down as quickly as possible.

Congratulations on getting the test tonight! :smuggrin:
 
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Congratulations on a successful and very important test.154 is too low to shoot. You have to take into consideration the switch to lower carb food (which helps lower the blood glucose levels). It looks to me like 2 units is too high.
 
Clark said:
Yup. I was scared and I had to get blood. Amazing what love for your pet will push u to do.
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It'll get easier. You'll become faster and more efficient and her ears will grow more tiny capillaries and will bleed more easily. Having warm ears helps a lot.
 
Clark said:
Yup. I was scared and I had to get blood. Amazing what love for your pet will push u to do.
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Hey congratulations!! good job and just in time to catch this low number.

It's true how love can make you do things you thought impossible, try and remember the area where you got it from so that you can poke more o less in the same area next time.

Also I'm not sure if it has been mentioned before but putting a little Neosporin in her ear will help her heal
 
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