Blood Sugar Measurement

What is a blood sugar measurement in animals?

A blood sugar measurement in animals serves to determine the glucose concentration in the blood. This measurement can be carried out by vets, veterinary technicians or even by pet owners themselves. Capillary blood is required for the measurement, which is obtained via a small puncture site, for example on the ear.

The blood sugar measurement helps to identify elevated or reduced blood sugar concentrations, which can occur among other things in diabetes mellitus, thyroid or liver diseases and stress. It is mainly used for the diagnosis and therapy monitoring of diabetes mellitus.

How is blood sugar measured in animals?

• Blood sampling: A small lancet is used to prick the animal’s skin to obtain a drop of blood.
• Suitable sampling sites:
  • Dog: The ear is a suitable site.
  • Cat: Here too, the ear is well suited for blood sampling.
• Analysis: The blood is taken up with a test strip and analysed with a portable blood glucose meter.

Pet owners can regularly check their animal’s blood sugar level at home, especially in cases of known diabetes. It is advisable to measure the blood sugar before feeding and to have regular checks carried out by the vet.

Causes for changed blood sugar levels:

• Low blood sugar levels: Too little food, too much insulin, diarrhoea or hypothyroidism.
• High blood sugar levels: Often an indication of diabetes mellitus, but also caused by stress, especially in cats.

When is a blood sugar measurement used in animals?

• Diagnosis and therapy monitoring in diabetes mellitus:
  • In animals without known diabetes, if symptoms such as excessive drinking, frequent urination or other typical diabetes symptoms occur.
  • In animals with known diabetes to check the effectiveness of therapy and before operations.
• Further indications:
  • In seizures or if blood sugar is detectable in the urine.

What risks does a blood sugar measurement entail in animals?

• Bruising: Bruising can occur at the puncture site.
• Infections: The puncture can become inflamed in rare cases. As a precaution, the puncture site should be thoroughly disinfected.
• Injuries: In restless animals, there is a risk that they may injure themselves with the lancet. It is important to hold the animal firmly.

Note for pet owners: If you wish to carry out the blood sugar measurement on your animal yourself, have the procedure shown and explained to you in detail by your vet beforehand.