We Need A Few Good Dogs and Cat
By April Rosenthal
Did you know your pets have the opportunity to give the gift of life to sick and injured dogs and cats? Animal blood donation is giving companion animals a new chance at life.
Bogie, a Golden Retriever, nearly died from bleeding ulcers. He developed sensitivity to the aspirin he was taking for arthritic knees. His entire blood supply had to be replaced. Thanks to blood transfusions, Bogie is once again a happy, healthy dog. Another dog, Tia, was also very sick and near death when she received donor blood. She has fully recovered and now donates blood to help other dogs. These are just two of the many animals that are helped each year through animal blood donation.
Like humans, dogs and cats have blood types and need to receive the correct type. Dogs have 13 different blood types and cats have only three A, B and AB. The wrong blood type can kill a cat in less than a minute. Blood typing is a simple procedure, but a vital one in the donation process.
The procedure for blood donation is also very simple. After determining blood type from a healthy animal, a small area on the neck is shaved, and a technician takes blood from the jugular vein. It just takes a few minutes and dogs are able to go home very soon afterwards. Cats need to be anesthetized for donation, but are able to return home after awakening.
Whole dog and cat blood lasts 30 days, and like human blood, the donation can be separated into plasma, red blood cells and clotting factor. Plasma can be frozen and has a shelf life of one year. One donation can help three different animals!
Now, who qualifies? Dogs that are between the ages of 1 and 7, in good health, 50-60 pounds, and on heart worm preventative are ideal candidates. Females must be spayed to qualify. Most important of all is an easygoing, friendly nature. No one wants to take blood from a stressed out animal. Cats obviously need to be in good health as well. If the animals become regular donors, most animal hospitals will provide free physicals, vaccinations and heart worm preventative.
“Donor” is a typical donor dog. He is a handsome, friendly Pit Bull who was picked up by Raytown Animal Control and sent to their holding facility at Raytown Gregory Animal Center. He was there two months when a sick Maltese came in. Donor gave blood and the Maltese made a complete recovery. This animal clinic often uses these abandoned animals for blood donation because it is faster and less expensive. Animal blood donation is one way pound animals can contribute to society. Donor is currently available for adoption through the Missouri Pit Bull Association.
Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (VSEC) located at 11950 W 110th St in Overland Park, KS, is another local animal hospital that uses 25-30 dogs and 10-15 cats every year for donation. They are also happy to offer physicals and heart worm preventative to those who qualify. To see if your dog or cat can join the ranks of these animal heroes, please call Beth at 913-642-9563.
