From:
"Julie_Fossa"
Date: 2007-08-26 18:33:10 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Human v Animal Corpuscle Value in Glucometer Readings
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
I've used the FreeStyle blood glucose meter for around 6 years now
with very good results. There is an adjustment that needs to be
considered, and for my meter, it is about 10 points for values within
the range you usually find ferrets' blood glucose values. I don't
know if that range increases proportionately with higher values, such
as with a diabetic ferret whose bg is in the 400's, but you still
know you have a problem then, with or without an accurate value to
add.
When I first got this meter, I would use the same sample my vet used
for his office equipment, and my reading would consistantly be about
10 points below his reading.
Over the years, I've just always added the 10 points and used that
reading. Since I'm now using vets in Florida, too, I have still
found that the adjusted reading I take is right on the vets' reading
on their equipment.
I would suggest if anyone gets a home blood glucose monitoring
system, they take it along with them and check the same sample as
their vet is using for blood glucose, and see how much different
their meter is reading from the professional equipment. You can then
adjust according to how 'your' meter reads compared to your vet's
equipment.
While it's not perfect, it will give you an idea if your ferret is
crashing from low blood sugar, high blood sugar, or something totally
unrelated, which gives you an edge knowing how to proceed at home,
and information that is vital if you have an emergency call in to
your vet.
Occasionally, I will have trouble getting a sample to pull into the
strip, but I think since ferrets have a higher packed cell volume,
the blood possibly is too thick due to mild dehydration, and the
strip has trouble pulling the blood in. There are other tips I've
found helpful to get a sample at
http:wcofs.org:1024/Health%20Topics/BG.htm
I've been very pleased with the ease of use, consistent results, and
affordability of the FreeStyle meter. I think much depends on what
you get used to, and I'm sure there are other meters that are just as
good.
All meters need to be calibrated from time to time. If I get an
erratic result, I can quickly check my own bg, and if that number is
something I would consider normal for me, I can pursue what caused
the unexpected value with the ferret's bg by retesting and treating
the problem. If I test several ferrets and their values are all off,
it could be a calibration issue or 'bad' strips. They have expiration
dates, but still will work after the ideal 'use by' dates.
Julie
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Barbara Clay" <ROCKY_rrr@...>
wrote:
>
> So many are using commonly available glucometers to monitor their
> insulinomic and/or diabetic ferrets and other pets.
>
> I'd appreciate hearing some comments on how the test strips work,
and
> whether the corpuscle values (size) between humans and animals are
> either the same or differ, and how they affect the readouts. ...
If there is a difference, or
> no difference, between human and animals corpuscle value, could you
> please comment. Also,why human value test strips and glucometers
> could pose a problem in use to determine ferret BG reading.
>
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