"A DONATION OF BLOOD MEANS GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE TO AN ANIMAL THAT IS SICK OR INJURED. THE DEMAND FOR BLOOD PRODUCTS CONTINUES TO INCREASE AND WE NEED THE HELP OF WILLING CANINE VOLUNTEERS TO MEET THIS NEED. GIVE YOUR DOG A CHANCE TO BE SOMEONE'S HERO."
Canine Blood Donor Program
Why do dogs need blood transfusions?
Dogs may need blood transfusions for different reasons. Your dog's blood is made up of Red Blood Cells(RBCs), White Blood Cells(WBCs), Platelets and Plasma. Blood can be separated into these various components so that the specific transfusion needs of your dog can be met. The most common transfusions involve the use of RBCs or plasma.
RBCs are used in the treatment of anemia(low RBC count). RBCs may be needed following an accident or during surgery when blood is lost. They are also needed when your dog's body cannot produce enough RBCs by itself or when diseases cause the body to destroy its own RBCs.
Plasma contains proteins or enzymes which help to clot the blood. it can be used to treat bleeding due to liver disease or bleeding with the accidental ingestion of rodent poisons. Plasma is also used when the protein or albumin of the patient becomes very low. Another component of plasma, Cryoprecipitate, is used in the treatment of hemophillia or in other inherited breeding problems.
Do Dogs Have Blood Types?
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Blood types are determined by molecules(proteins and carbohydrates) on the surface of the RBCs. Dogs have at least six well characterized blood types, also known as DOG ERYTHROCYTE ANTIGENS(DEA). The antigens are DEA 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. The blood type considered most important in dogs is DEA 1.1.
Dogs that are negative for DEA 1.1 can give blood to dogs that are DEA 1.1 negative or positive, but dogs that are DEA 1.1 positive can only give blood safely to dogs that are DEA 1.1 positive. Dogs that are negative for DEA 1.1 and the majority of other blood types are considered "universal" blood donors. The majority of dogs are DEA 1.1 positive and only a small percentage of dogs are "universal" donors. A predisposition to being DEA 1.1 positive or negative exists in some breeds. Breeds more likely to be DEA 1.1 negative include Greyhounds, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, German Shepherds, Dobermans and Pit bulls. Breeds more commonly DEA 1.1 positive are Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers.
Can My Dog Donate?
Donor dogs must be:
- Healthy and Happy
- Greater than 27.2 Kg or 60 lbs
- Between 1-6 years old
- Able to lay still for 10 minutes
What Is Donation Like?
Usually, donors come in once every two months to donate. The same equipment is used as in the case of human medicine. Blood is collected from the Jugular vein and collections take between 5-10 minutes. 450 ml(about 2 measuring cups) of blood is taken. After collection, the dogs get lots of treats and praise as well as high energy meal. The total time that your dog spends with the crew is about 30 minutes.
What Happens To The Blood?
After the whole blood is collected, it is spun in a centrifuge to separate the RBCs from the plasma. Plasma contains important clotting factors and other proteins. 450 ml of blood can be separated into two units of packed RBCs and two units of plasma. This means a single donation could potentially help 4 dogs! Packed RBCs can be kept refrigerated for 5 weeks while the plasma can be kept frozen for a year.
How To Start?
During your initial visit, a small blood sample from your dog will be taken to determine its blood type and assess your dog's personality. If your dog has the right blood type for the program your dog will be screened for blood borne diseases and will go through a training program to become accustomed to the process of the blood collection, so that it will be a positive experience.
Is This Blood Safe?
All of the donor dogs are screened for a number of blood-borne infectious diseases to ensure that only healthy dogs enter the program. Many of the donors have a universal blood type, so there is less risk of a transfusion reaction in the patient. Other donors have the more common DEA 1.1 positive blood type and so are compatible with a large number of recipients. Before all transfusions, blood from the donor and blood from the recipient are cross matched to ensure that they are compatible.
The blood is collected in sterile plastic bags and is handled and stored in much the same way as human blood. Each bag has an expiration date and is destroyed after it expires.
How Are Dogs Transfused?
Before blood or blood products are given to your dog, your veterinarian will generally perform a cross-match to ensure that the blood is compatible with your dog. Blood is then given slowly through a special filter into the vein. The speed of transfusion and how much blood is given will vary with the needs and size of the animal.
Are Dogs At Risk From Transfusions?
This blood has been collected properly from healthy, universal donor dogs, and risks from the transfusion itself are minimal. Some dogs may develop a fever or mild facial swelling during or after transfusion. This can be treated by your veterinarian. Dogs with serious illnesses getting repeated transfusions are more likely to develop transfusion reactions. Your veterinarian can answer questions about the risks involved in these special cases.
Where Is The Blood Kept Until A Dog Needs It?
Blood products are stored in a special blood bank refrigerator or freezer in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
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