Pet blood donors

I came across this article (and video) at CNN a couple weeks ago.

I would imagine that most people don't know that pet blood donation is a necessary thing for veterinary hospitals and clinics.

I don't know if this is still true or not, but while I worked at the CSU veterinary hospital, there was a room that housed a dozen or so cats. They lived there permanently and they were blood donors for the hospital. They received amazing care, and lots of attention. I used to take breaks and go visit the cats for some love.

I know that the hospital also had dogs who visited regularly to donate blood. I never really realized how important this was, but wow! It's really great to see 4-legged companion animals helping other animals!

--Tammy

Comments

[Laurel]

Yes, we had many donor animals at the VTH, Tammy. They took care to make the process gentle and humane. No dogs or cats were ever mistreated in the process and many belonged to families who volunteered their pets.

You're right that this is something we don't think about. Dana,Ingrid, etc., how is the need for a "blood bank" treated in private practice?

[turtlecookie]

You're right -- it's not something I'd ever thought about. Makes sense, though.
turtlecookie

[jan]

There is a retired veterinarian who owns a ranch near our town. He breeds and raises German Shepherds as blood donors. They are the happiest, healthiest dogs ever, but he has to keep his activities secret because animal rights people would shut him down.

[Laurel Hunt]

I lost one of my dogs to complications from cancer surgery, during which she lost a lot of blood. When I arrived at the ICU she was being transfused. I asked where they got the blood. It was greyhound blood which apparently is extra rich in oxygen. Although Molly didn't make it, I was grateful that this canine blood bank existed.
Laurel H.

[Dana]

We have a wonderul program here is Colorado Springs called "Hemo Solutions." It was started by Dr. James Gaynor (a chronic pain specialist down here who used to be on faculty at the CSU Vet School). The program is wildly successful and many of our own clients volunteer their pets to help out.