Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Capillary blood sampling from the ear of dogs and cats and use of portable meters to measure glucose concentration.
- Journal:
- The Journal of small animal practice
- Year:
- 2000
- Authors:
- Wess, G & Reusch, C
- Affiliation:
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine
Plain-English summary
Researchers have developed two new ways to take a small blood sample from the ear of dogs and cats to check their blood sugar levels using portable blood glucose meters. One method involves using a lancing device after warming the ear, while the other uses a vacuum lancing device, which is quicker and easier. Both methods produced enough blood for testing, and while there were some differences in accuracy compared to standard methods, the results from the portable meters were still considered acceptable. This means pet owners can easily and affordably check their pets' blood sugar levels at home, which could be especially helpful for managing diabetes in dogs and cats. Overall, the new methods are effective for monitoring blood glucose concentrations.
Abstract
Two new methods for collection of capillary blood from the ear of dogs and cats for the measurement of blood glucose concentration using portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) are described. The first method uses a lancing device after pre-warming the ear, while the second employs a vacuum lancing device. Both methods generated blood drops of adequate size, although the latter method was faster and easier to perform. Accuracy of the two PBGMs was evaluated clinically and statistically. Although assessment of statistical accuracy revealed differences between the PBGMs and the reference method, all of the PBGM readings were within clinically acceptable ranges. Measurement of capillary blood glucose concentration is easy to perform, inexpensive and fast. It may be used by owners to determine blood glucose concentrations at home, and could serve as a new tool for monitoring diabetic dogs and cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10701188/