Dog Blood

[Dax]

Has anyone had a dog give or get blood? Ariel's set to donate on the 24th. I'm just wondering if anyone has had any experience(s).

[Blistering Wind]

I've helped at the vet clinic collect and give blood. It is a long process, but it is very rewarding to see the owners who get that blood for their dog.

Make sure they eat plenty of food, and stay QUIET for 48 hours after the process. Just like in us humans, the blood drain makes them tired. Some get cranky. So just let them be. Give them lots of reassurances.

And bless you for allowing your dog to be a donor!

[smehta1]

How does it work? Do dogs have blood groups like humans? Can blood be donated across breeds? For eg can a doberman donate to a pug?

[Blistering Wind]

Yes, you can transfer blood among breeds.

There is a certain type, similar to our A B O types. But I honestly don't remember what they are looking for. There is a universal type, but even then, you can still have problems.

I'll see what info I can pull up and remember. It has been a while.

[Dax]

This is the FAQ from where we are going.

NAIT launches Paws for Life Campaign
80 top dogs wanted as blood donors

What is the Canadian Animal Blood Bank (CABB) at NAIT?

The NAIT animal blood bank, operated through the Animal Health Technology program, is a branch of the not for profit Canadian Animal Blood Bank based in Winnipeg. Canine blood collected at NAIT is sent to Winnipeg for processing. CABB then sells blood products to vets across Canada. As part of the NAIT project, new storage sites will be established in Edmonton and Calgary making it easier and faster for Alberta vets to access safe, healthy blood products.
What is the Paws for Life Campaign?

The goal of the Paws for Life Campaign is to sign up a minimum of 80 donor dogs within a year to help meet the anticipated demand for canine blood products in Western Canada.
What are the requirements to donate blood?

Dogs must weigh at least 23 kilograms, be in good health, have up-to-date vaccinations, be between one and eight years old, and be willing to lie still for five minutes. Our four-legged volunteers are asked to donate every three months for two years.
What should I do if I want my dog to donate blood?

Obtain a form from your veterinarian, or by contacting the Canadian Animal Blood Bank at NAIT. Phone: 780-491-1324, e-mail: animalbloodbank@nait.ab.ca
What is the risk to the donor dog?

The Canadian Animal Blood Bank at NAIT takes its responsibility to both the donor dog and the recipient dog very seriously. Donor dogs must be in good health. The dog's vet must verify that the dog is a good candidate for the program before it is register as a donor.
In its five years of operation, the Canadian Animal Blood Bank has never had complications with a donor dog. (An owner has fainted once!). The amount of blood taken from the dog (450 ml) isn't harmful to the dog. Sedation isn't necessary as the procedure only takes five minutes, compared to the 15 minutes for humans.
Only a licensed vet is permitted to insert the needle. Animal Health Technologists and students assist. Clinic volunteers and staff received special training. The procedure takes place in the NAIT animal health clinic, a facility equipped to handle emergency situations.

Why is the Canadian Animal Blood Bank at NAIT needed?

CABB is anticipating an increase in demand for blood products. As part of the NAIT project, storage sites for animal blood products will open in Alberta, making it easier and faster for vets to receive blood products. Currently, blood products must come from Winnipeg.
A dog can receive a single transfusion of any type of blood without serious side effects. However, if that same dog needed another transfusion, the vet would need to match the type because the dog now has antibodies.

[Lessica Jake]

I'd love to be able to do that with Bailey, but she's got a thing about needles, so they'd have to sedate her and I'm not sure they'd be willing to do that.

[lou3]

unfortunately my pointer girls fall just below the required weight limit to donate and Tara does not have the patience. Let us know how it goes, good for you deciding to let her donate.