Blood Donor Register
Unfortunately there are times when animals need blood transfusions. This can be for a number of reasons; motor vehicle accidents, internal bleeding, severe anaemia, rat bait poisoning, bleeding disorders among other conditions. The nearest animal blood bank is located in Loughborough and is open from 8:30-18:30 on weekdays only, while this is a good resource to have, blood is usually needed in an emergency and even if the Pet Blood Bank is open we still have to wait for a courier to get it to us. For these reasons we have our own blood donor register.
Most of the blood transfusions we do are for dogs as these are seen more commonly with accidents and bleeding disorders, therefore donor dogs are the most in demand at this time.
Qualities needed in a canine blood donor:
Good temperament
Fit and healthy
Between 1 and 8 years old
Must be over 25kg
On no medications other than routine preventative treatment such as wormers/flea treatments
Be up to date with vaccinations or have an annual titre test after their first year booster
Has never travelled outside of the UK and Ireland
Dogs that give blood have their blood typed and receive their very own donor card. Dogs have 2 main blood groups; DEA 1.1 positive and DEA 1.1 negative (DEA = Dog Erythrocyte Antigen), while all blood donors are greatly appreciated DEA 1.1 negative blood donors can be of greatest benefit as this blood can be given to any animal in an emergency, this makes Dogue De Bordeauxs especially useful donors as they are nearly always DEA 1.1 negative. Also sight hounds (Greyhounds, Lurchers, Saluki's, Borzoi's etc) make good donors as their blood is more concentrated with red blood cells than other breeds of dog.
Thank you to life saving donors
We would like to say a big thank you to all of the animals on our blood donor register and to their owners who bring them in, usually on very short notice, sometimes at unsociable hours, and for no reward as it is not legal to receive payment for animal blood products. You are all life savers and your efforts are very much appreciated by us, the animals that are saved and their owners.
If you would like any more information about this service or think you and your pet would like to be put on the register then please contact the practice.