Best lancing device?

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bgenick

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What do people find to be the best device for pricking ears? The vet gave me 25 gauge needles but i am not having much luck.
 
The lower the number, the thicker the needle, so you've got the more optimal ones (33 gauge are a bear!)
As you continue with testing, more capillaries will develop, making it easier to get a droplet.
Warming up the ear helps increase the circulation; folks have used a small cloth sock of rice, microwaved briefly to a 'baby bottle warm' state, then hold that to the ear.
I free handed without a device as I could see better.
When really desperate, you can aim for the vein, just be prepared for a possible gusher, snag a droplet and blot or you'll get blood shaken all over the place (yes, happened to me and my bathroom!)
 
The lower the number, the thicker the needle, so you've got the more optimal ones (33 gauge are a bear!)
As you continue with testing, more capillaries will develop, making it easier to get a droplet.
Warming up the ear helps increase the circulation; folks have used a small cloth sock of rice, microwaved briefly to a 'baby bottle warm' state, then hold that to the ear.
I free handed without a device as I could see better.
When really desperate, you can aim for the vein, just be prepared for a possible gusher, snag a droplet and blot or you'll get blood shaken all over the place (yes, happened to me and my bathroom!)

Thanks for your reply. I am already aiming for the vein that runs along the outer edge of the ear. Is that what you mean?
 
We actually try not to hit the vein...it hurts and bleeds like crazy, but if it's the only place that works, it's better than nothing

Where we try to aim for is the "Sweet spot" which is really anywhere along the edge between the vein and the very edge of the ear. As you poke more and more there, new capillaries will grow into that space and it'll become easier and easier to get the ear to bleed.

sweet spot diagram.jpg
 
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