Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How to check blood sugar in dogs and cats using ear samples?
By Wess, G & Reusch, C·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2000·Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Capillary blood sampling from the ear of dogs and cats and use of portable meters to measure glucose concentration.
Plain-English summary
A new method for checking blood sugar levels in dogs and cats has been developed using a simple blood sample taken from the ear. Two techniques were tested: one using a lancing device after warming the ear and another using a vacuum lancing device, which was found to be quicker and easier. Both methods produced enough blood for testing, and while there were some differences in accuracy compared to standard methods, the results were still reliable for pet owners. This means that pet owners can now monitor their diabetic pets' blood sugar levels at home more easily and affordably.
People also search for: how to check dog blood sugar at home · cat diabetes monitoring · blood glucose meter for pets · dog ear blood sample technique
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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10701188/