Canine Blood Donors-Would you do it?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Well I don't ever have to answer that question because Tara is too little. It appears there is a 55 or 60 pound minimum weight. What do you think about having your Doodle donate blood either by being on call for emergencies or donating to a canine blood bank?

Is there any one here who is already donating?

It was almost closing time at our clinic when a woman ran into our waiting room screaming that she had just found a dog lying in the street who had been hit by a car. The veterinary technicians rushed the dog into the clinic on a stretcher. "Lucky" was alive, but he was in shock and unable to move. We immediately began treatment to stabilize him, provide pain relief and treat his wounds.

Despite administering large volumes of fluids and drugs to treat the shock, Lucky's gums remained pale and his abdomen tender. An ultrasound revealed fluid in his abdomen; a stomach tap told us this fluid was blood. Lucky's spleen had ruptured and we had to remove it immediately or he would die. He would also die if we didn't have enough blood available to transfuse him during and after the surgery - and we didn't. We had exactly one unit of blood, and the nearest emergency hospital that could supply us with the blood we needed was three hours away. Thankfully, one of our technicians, Dawn, is the parent of a young, healthy Great Dane named Nathaniel who she volunteered as a blood donor. Dawn ran home to get Nathaniel while we prepped Lucky for emergency surgery.

Requirements:

• Healthy and Happy
•  Greater than 60 lbs
•  Between 1-6 yrs old
•  Able to lay still for 10 minutes

There are a few other requirements regarding vaccinations and such too.

Oh, and Lucky survived thanks to Nathaniel's donation! :)

[Donna K & Quincy]

I actually read that it was pint in the link you provided.

[F, Calla & Luca]

No, it was Ricki's link.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I doubt Winnie is a candidate given his allergies and thyroid condition and mysterious seizure episodes. I am sheepish to admit I have never donated blood either, but have always thought it would be a good thing to do.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The breeds excluded from donating is interesting especially in light of some recent discussions.

http://www.vet.upenn.edu/RyanVHUPforSmallAnimalPatients/SpecialtyCa...

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

We would if we could. Too small and they would NEVER be still for 10 minutes!!

Glad it worked out for Lucky!