Comparison of glucose concentrations in blood samples obtained with a marginal ear vein nick technique versus from a peripheral vein in healthy cats and cats with diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
To compare blood glucose (BG) concentrations measured with a portable blood glucose meter in blood samples obtained with a marginal ear vein (MEV) nick technique, from a peripheral venous catheter, and by direct venipuncture in healthy cats and cats with diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
1 0 healthy cats and 11 cats with diabetes mellitus. Procedure-On day 1, blood samples were collected every hour for 10 hours by the MEV nick technique and from a peripheral venous catheter. On day 2, blood samples were collected every hour for 10 hours by the MEV nick technique and by direct venipuncture of the medial saphenous vein.


RESULTS
For all cats, mean BG concentration for samples collected by the MEV nick technique was not significantly different from mean concentration for samples obtained from the peripheral venous catheter. For healthy cats, mean BG concentration for samples collected by the MEV nick technique was not significantly different from mean concentration for samples obtained by direct venipuncture. For cats with diabetes mellitus, mean BG concentration for samples collected by the MEV nick technique was significantly different from mean concentration for samples obtained by direct venipuncture; however, for the range of concentrations examined, this difference was not clinically important.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that for the range of concentrations examined, the MEV nick technique is a reasonable alternative to venous blood collection for serial measurement of BG concentrations in cats.
Thompson
Melanie D
MD
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Taylor
Susan M
SM
Adams
Vicki J
VJ
Waldner
Cheryl L
CL
Feldman
Edward C
EC
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D002415:Cats; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000662:veterinary*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000098:blood supply*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary
D001786:Blood Glucose