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crouseman41's avatar
crouseman41
Explorer
Nov 18, 2015

Testing Junior the Cat's Blood Glucose

Our 13 year old cat Junior has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and currently takes 2 units of Lantus twice a day. We have tested his blood sugar once since the vet test, and it was not an easy thing for us or for the cat. Would like to hear from anyone who has the test thing down pat and is willing to share advice. Don't want to inflict any more discomfort on him than is absolutely necessary, but feel we need to check periodically to be sure the number is going down. Foods have been changed in accordance with vet's instructions. He is scheduled for a glucose curve test in about three weeks.

3 Replies

  • dturm's avatar
    dturm
    Moderator
    Nov 19, 2015
    Generally ear is tolerated better (less pain). Rub and warm the ear first. Some cats like to be bundled in a towel with the head out and one person holding the cat while the other does the stick. The new blood meters are great because they really need only a very small drop of blood. Hope this helps.

    BTW if you do foot pad, go to the side where the pad joins the skin... fewer nerve endings. This area isn't so good on long haired cats.
  • crouseman41's avatar
    crouseman41
    Explorer
    Nov 19, 2015
    We did ear, not knowing foot pad was an option. Prior to last visit, his glucose readings had been in the 150-206 range. It was 593 at the last visit, and the one time we tested it at home since the visit it was down to 286. Will try pad and see if it is easier for him. Thank you for the input.
  • dturm's avatar
    dturm
    Moderator
    Nov 18, 2015
    Where were you getting the sample, ear, toe or elsewhere? Sometimes cats can adjust, but many don't. The stress of getting the sample will elevate the glucose level making the results less meaningful. I've found that some cats get so stressed during the hospitalization for the glucose curve that it's problematic. That's not to say don't do a curve, just there are factors to consider.

    Doug, DVM

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