Blood bank

It seems that blood drives for people are going on all the time.  We are all aware that blood shortages are common in hospitals around the country and that we all need to donate to that blood is available for those who are injured or have to undergo surgery.  We may not think about the fact that blod is also critical when treating our family pets.  When a pet is seriously ill or has suffered a life-threatening injury, a transfusion of appropriate blood components can make a big difference.  

Blood products are necessary for supplying oxygen and fluids to our organs.  Transfusions help treat a variety of disorders, such as anemia, blood loss for hemorrhage due to injury, or blood clotting disorders.  It can be a life saving treatment for our pets in many circumstances.  

In the past year, The Pet Doctor has committed to developing a blood bank to supply blood products to our patients, to pets that belong to local rescue organizations and to other veterinary hospitals in our community. 

We will be establishing a donor program, utilizing pets from our practice and the community as donors.   The process of collection is usually completed in less than 30 minutes. Donations are typically performed without sedation in dogs, although most cats require a mild sedative. All donors are closely monitored afterwards to ensure their safety.  Only a small percentage of a pet’s blood is actually donated during the collection process and the body begins to replace that amount immediately afterwards. All blood collection supplies are sterile for the protection of both donors and recipients.

Please contact us if you are interested in your pet becoming a life-saving blood donor.

Click here for a list of donor requirements:

For a cat:      http://www.thepetdoctorinc.com/petdrservices/blood_bank/feline-donor-requirements/

For a dog:     http://www.thepetdoctorinc.com/petdrservices/blood_bank/canine-donor-requirements/