Trouble with getting glucose test

[Angel T Cappell]

Really struggling getting a blood reading. Been a month since started. At first we couldn't get enough blood. Then after vet tech showed us to try lower in ear instead of tip. Was working but I must have hit a vein because its red and maybe infected. Now he squirms so much because of my hurting him we can't get readings. Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

One thing that may help is providing a treat each and every time you test, regardless of whether the test is successful. It helps to associate testing with a reward. This is more information on home testing.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand
I find it better to see where I'm aiming

Here is a video one of our members did
VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugar

 

[JanetNJ]

You can really test anywhere along the edge on the inside and outside.