From:
"merylfaulkner"
Date: 2009-11-19 18:17:43 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Need glucose testing help (XP)
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
-
Trying to hold him,
> keep him from struggling too much, play around with the test strip & monitor
> & lancet, and get the sample to the strip is nearly impossible.'
I also use the tail stick method and I use some treat (linatone/ferretone usually)to get them diverted - so don't have to hold them at all.
Months - maybe a year ago I found a detailed description of the method using a footpad (http://www.unc.edu/~pjdutche/bloodsugar/)which really helped me with the procedure, but I found it a bit difficult, some ferrets have really thick pads and I feel like a samurai warrior plunging a sword into their flesh - so when I read about the tail site being a good one I just moved to the tail end, so to speak.
I also snip (just with nail scissors)the hair off the end of the tail - sometimes a patch of about 1/4 inch by 1/2 inch. Makes the tail look a bit bald - but the older animals often have bald tails anyway, and the furry ones still look OK if you don't look closely (and the ferrets don't care how they look).
Must admit I do smear a small amount of the vaseline on the bare skin since the original Sessoms method suggested that it made the blood remain as a round drop rather than a smear. I didn't know the Vaseline can alter results, I'll have to try the alcohol next time. Wonder if mineral oil would also be a good alternative? Or would that also affect the bg levels - anyone know? I've not tried using alcohol yet.
I find the ferrets (if the lancet device does not push the lancet in far enough) do not flinch if I actually push the lancet in manually. First time I tried just pushing the lancet in I was terrified - waited for a scream and a jump. Each one has always placidly continued drinking (even if I have to take a stab at it a second time so to speak). With my eyesight getting worse as I age, and my nervousness still, I find the most difficulty is in holding the tail still with my left hand (sometimes the ferrets try to twitch it) and the strip steady and touching it to the drop of blood. Also, sometimes the drop takes a little time to grow, so patience helps. I think the process is more nerve wracking for me than the ferrets to be honest.
Meryl
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