Doggy blood donors.

elsien

I was reading some blurb in the latest petplan magazine and found an interesting article on how dogs can be blood donors.
So I thought I'd put in on here in case it's something anyone might want to give some thought to. No direct links to the article, but this is the charity
http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/

No use for mutt (- she fails on every single criteria: age, health, weight, temperament and medication) but it's certainly something I think I'd look into with the right dog. I think the article said greyhounds and rotties seem to be particularly laid back about the whole thing as a rule.
So, any altruistic dogs out there?

Kinski

My sisters German shepherd gave blood about 15 years ago for a local dog that needed it, he was registered with the vet in case he was needed again but he never was, my pair are far to small to do it being 11 kilos and 5 kilos but if they were big enough they would be on the donors list.

krlyr

I'd looked into it but there doesn't seem to be any events near us. Might mention it to the vet next time we're in incase they do a private scheme though.

Fellpony_2

My spaniel needed a blood transufusion after having eaten a bottle of paracetamol and cocodamol (thats a whole other story!!) and the vets were happy for me to grab my parents dog a large collie and he was brilliant, saved the spaniels life. Next time you're in the vets maybe mention that you would be happy for them to call you should they need a donor if you were willing, as there is no cross matching etc needed between dogs, which amazed me!! I have told my vets they can call on me anytime with the new collie I have (spaniel is no longer after an argument with a tractor, he wasn't a very bright dog!)

tankgirl1

Both my past & present pooches have donated - Staff pets tend to be first in line if they fit the criteria, especially if they happen to be snoozing in the staff room.....:p

tankgirl1

Fellpony wrote: »

My spaniel needed a blood transufusion after having eaten a bottle of paracetamol and cocodamol (thats a whole other story!!) and the vets were happy for me to grab my parents dog a large collie and he was brilliant, saved the spaniels life. Next time you're in the vets maybe mention that you would be happy for them to call you should they need a donor if you were willing, as there is no cross matching etc needed between dogs, which amazed me!! I have told my vets they can call on me anytime with the new collie I have (spaniel is no longer after an argument with a tractor, he wasn't a very bright dog!)

Not strictly true, but for a first time recipient there is a far lower risk of serious reaction - at the very least a simple test can be carried out in house to check if they are potentially compatible.

For subsequent transfusions, for the same patient you must type.

Hillbilly1

It is usually 24 hour vets that carry out blood transfusions, as the patients need close monitoring. we have a list and the donors get a free vaccine for each donation. we also give them gifts at the time and a Christmas present...

If everyone asked their vet if they are eligible it would be great - we spend alot (or rather our blood nurse) of time finding donors for a list!

krlyr

Thanks for that. I'm fortunate to have a vets that is manned 24 hours (vet nurses on site with the vets on call out of hours) so I will definately ask next time I'm in, both my dogs are big enough and friendly enough (with people, anyway). Does routine flea treatment affect their ability to donate? My two are treated with Advocate monthly as I worry about lungworm, though we're due to move and I may treat them a little less regularly (tons of slugs and snails at the current house). Also they're both rescues so there's a gap in their history that I don't really know about (got Kiki at 9 months old, Casper at 2.5), if that affects things.

Hillbilly1

krlyr wrote: »

Thanks for that. I'm fortunate to have a vets that is manned 24 hours (vet nurses on site with the vets on call out of hours) so I will definately ask next time I'm in, both my dogs are big enough and friendly enough (with people, anyway). Does routine flea treatment affect their ability to donate? My two are treated with Advocate monthly as I worry about lungworm, though we're due to move and I may treat them a little less regularly (tons of slugs and snails at the current house). Also they're both rescues so there's a gap in their history that I don't really know about (got Kiki at 9 months old, Casper at 2.5), if that affects things.

The more Advocate the better - vaccd, flead and wormed is best. No outside Uk travel is the big no-no but a gap in hx and then from rescue is usually fine!

wilykit

I have just signed Bully up - he is a perfect candidate! I know I would be grateful for other people signing up if Bully ever needed a blood donor xx

Pechow

My parent's dog is a few kilos too small to donate, ah well!