I received a letter from my vet they will be having a doggie blood donor drive this week. I was wondering if anyone does that here with there dog. I don't think I could let my dog do it b/c she is a pain at the vet (growling and nipping), but I was wondering what the whole process was and how your dog did with it. Thank you.
I have never even thought about this! Obviously, some dogs will need blood in surgery and other situations, and unless they're using synthetic, it has to come from somewhere<g>.
I wonder if this blood supply tends to come from dogs that are captive research subjects, or even kept for this reason?
I will be very curious to find out what others have to say...and about relevant issues.
Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
Offline
None of the vet hospitals in my area keep blood on-hand for transfusions....except for the emergency vet. It is very expensive and I think there *might* be an issue with how long it can be stored? Not sure about that.
Many hospitals will use a staff member's dog or cat if an emergency arises and a transfusion is needed. In 4 years our hospital, thankfully, never needed to do it.
At the teaching hospital where I brought my cancer-stricken dog for surgery and treatment, my dog was a recipient of donor blood. The hospital has about 10(?) dogs that are on a call in basis. Whenever they need blood they call the next person on the list who brings their dog in, blood is collected, then they transfuse it pretty soon afterward. (I was not present for this process so I'm not sure exactly how it's done).
I have never heard of a blood drive but I don't see why not. I sure as HECK appreciate the person who allowed their dog to give blood to my dog and save her life.
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
Offline
The last vet I worked for had a universal donor dog on hand that was obtained through greyhound rescue for emergencies and lived at the clinic. The vet himself had his own pack of blood donors at home which he had aquired from local rescues.
Reg: 11-04-2008
Posts: 572
Loc: Hampshire, England
Offline
I don't do it but I have a friend who does.
It needs a calm quiet dog who is comfortable with the vet.
They can use a local anaesthetic but after the first few times most of the dogs sit quietly and just look at it.
The clinic where I worked had a resident blood donor Doberman mix that eventually got adopted out and was replaced with another shelter dog. They also had a cat donor that lived at the clinic. They were very calm with the staff and comfortable in the clinic, which made transfusions easier. Usually they were large black dogs that probably would've been euthanized at a shelter. I don't remember having any stored blood but this was a small clinic and a long time ago.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.