Hi all, Now that I've caught up a bit after the holidays, I just wanted to add my two cents (for what it's worth), to the nail-clipping for blood debate. As a vet tech, there are several disadvantages that I experience using this procedure. 1), you cannot control the amount of blood loss as accurately, 2) the pain, (like Bill or Di alluded to) is more intense than a simple needle puncture because of the increased nerve supply to the quick of the nailbed. Once a, say, jugular or vena caval stick is done, no more pain. But a nail quickening is similar to a stubbed toe...ouchy for the whole day. There is no excuse for a vet to need to quick a ferret's nail, there are adequate peripheral, as well as jugular and vena cava sites to choose from. For home blood glucose monitoring, I still would recommend using a paw pad as opposed to the nail, if feasible. Bleeding is less, and I would imagine it would be less painful. I have seen dogs limp for a week after a nail break, but will readily walk on a larger, more serious paw pad laceration. But, why would we need to be monitoring our pets that often at home, anyway? It's not like with insulin, where you would need to adjust the dose based on the animals glucose. I amy have missed some of the thread for the original reason this topic was brought up. If so, I apologize in advance for any repitition or confusion in this post. Pam- We have had (1) Imrab reaction to date that I know of, at the clinic where I work. Terry- I take my guys shopping with me whenever I get the chance! It's a great way to "spread the knowledge"---and Walmart is really nice about it. I have a small crate set up in the car, and then I carry them with me in the store in a snuggle sack that has a vent hole and a zipper...so it's escape proof. They kinda look like I have one of those baby papoooses on my chest! Jody- I thought the story of Sebastion and his "placebo" effect was incredibly amazing!! I would love if you could e-mail me with a more indepth story of his symptoms, etc. so I can share it at our monthly rounds!!! Michele missing Finny terribly....... [Posted in FML issue 2927]