At the Animal Emergency Hospital we regularly rely on blood transfusions to save a pet’s life. Internal bleeding is the most common instance in which we are required to perform blood transfusions. Internal bleeding can occur for many reasons and includes trauma, such as when a pet is hit by a vehicle, ingestion of rat/mouse bait, or the presence of a tumor (specifically on the spleen, the organ that stores red blood cells). These are some of the more severe instances in which we perform transfusions but there are many other conditions that require a transfusion of blood products.
So where does all this life-saving blood come from? Just like in human medicine, blood donors are required. Currently, The Canadian Animal Blood Bank is the only animal blood bank in Canada and offers permanent blood collection sites in Winnipeg and Edmonton. There are several permanent sites throughout the US as well. Veterinary establishments in other cities routinely collect blood from their donors in hospital as needed for their patients. If there is not a permanent blood collection facility in your area, ask your veterinary hospital if they have a donor list or run donor clinics.
As the need for blood products continually increases, this is as good a time as any to consider if your dog meets the requirements of a blood donor:
- Is your dog healthy and well-tempered?
- Does your dog have current vaccinations?
- Is your dog between 1-8 years of age?
- Is your dog 50lbs (23kg) or more?
- If your dog is female, is she spayed with no previous litters?
- Has your dog been tested for heartworm and been on preventative medication?
During the collection of blood from a donor, the dog will be required to lie on its side and be still for approximately 5 minutes. A small area over the jugular vein on the neck is shaved and cleaned, and a needle that is attached to a collection bag is inserted into the vein. Once the blood is collected, it is processed into components and sent to veterinary hospitals across the country, or if collected in hospital, used immediately.
It can be an extremely rewarding experience knowing that your dog has helped to save another’s life. If your dog meets the requirements, try donating their blood to help in one of the most important life support therapies.
Feline blood transfusions are possible, but it is more difficult to obtain a donor as they need to be sedated/anesthetized to collect the blood necessary. As well, the blood cannot be stored, it needs to be used once collected.
