Blood donation
We all know that blood transfusions save human lives. Making your dog a blood donor will help us save other dogs lives.
Dogs may need a transfusion for many different reasons, such as:-
A traumatic accident, where there has been severe blood loss
Diseases which affect red blood cells
Poisoning, dogs which may have eaten a rodenticide (warfarin)
Certain surgical procedures
At the surgery we do not have the facilities to store whole blood, so when an emergency occurs where we need to give a dog a transfusion, we may have to call on your dog to save a life.
Becoming a blood donor
You and your dog need to be:-
Registered at our practice
Available most of the time (this may be in the middle of the night!)
Your dog needs to be:-
Over 25kg (55lbs)
Fully vaccinated
In fine health
Well behaved
Patient!
If so then your dog could be on our register for blood donors.
What is the procedure for donating blood?
When you come into the surgery your dog will be checked over by the vet or nurse to ensure he/she is in tip top condition.
Your dog will be lifted on to the examination table, a nurse will help restrain your dog throughout the procedure. The right or left fore leg is clipped of hair.
The leg will be cleansed and the needle inserted. The needle is attached to a blood collection bag. Blood will flow into the bag mix with a solution to prevent the blood clotting.
We would need to from 300-500mls of blood, which could take up to 20-30 minutes to collect.
Once enough blood has been taken the needle will be removed and a bandage applied to the leg, to prevent the site from oozing. Your dog will be offered some food and a bowl of water (just like tea and biscuits for us!)
They will be given lots of fuss and praise for their donation.
After they have eaten and drank a small amount they will be allowed to go home and rest.
Your dog will be able to return to his/her normal routine the next day.
Click on this link for more information www.animalbloodregister.com