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.
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.
- 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