Blood Donor Program

Thank you for your interest in animal blood banking. Your support and your dog’s blood donation can help save lives! The following is a list of frequently asked questions about our Blood Donor Program:

Blood Transfusions really happen?

At the ECA, blood products are given routinely for certain critical situations, including toxicities, anemia, trauma and surgeries.

What options are there at present?

Most critical care facilities rely on three main established commercial blood banks in this country. Many universities, including the UW Veterinary Teaching Hospital, maintain a blood bank and donor program. Also, across the country, most of the larger emergency, critical care and referral centers have undertaken such a project. With cooperation and sharing, these resources can be spread around to a limited degree.

Is there a blood shortage?

Despite the current blood banking options, there is not enough blood and blood products readily available. For this reason, blood is often not given until rather late in the course of the patient’s need, or we rely on alternatives such as the hemoglobin based oxygen transport solutions (“Oxyglobin,” which is often called “artificial blood.”) When the nearest blood bank is hundreds of miles away, it takes precious time to get the needed blood product, even with overnight shipping and having couriers waiting at the airport.

How can I help?

We are looking for a pool of 10-30 healthy larger dogs who are not particularly bothered about sitting still for a blood donation. This requires screening potentially hundreds of dogs, as many will have health, demeanor or blood type problems that will make them ineligible to be regular donors.  The first step is an examination and interview process to identify owners and animals that might be good fits for the program.

Who are ideal candidates?

We are looking for large breed dogs who are easy to work with and have ‘universal donor’ blood types. Dogs, like people, have several blood types and this means there are associated incompatibilities. This is especially true with multiple transfusions. Only about 1 in 15 dogs will have eligible blood types.

In order to be an eligible candidate for blood donations, a dog must be greater than 55 pounds, between the ages of 2 and 6 years, and have no history of previous transfusions or pregnancy. Our blood donors need to be in good physical condition, current on their vaccinations (distempter, adenovirus, parvovirus, coronavirus, rabies, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza) and have a good temperament because we will need them to stand still for about 5 to 10 minutes in order to collect enough blood. In order to donate blood, dogs can not be on any medication besides thyroid, heartworm, flea medication, or carprofen (Rimadyl). Our donors can not be taking aspirin or antibiotics, no exceptions.

If my dog and I are willing and able, and the blood type is okay, what next?

At that point, additional blood sampling will occur and tests for various infectious diseases will be performed. If the potential donor passes that step, a donation will be requested every 3 months, on a regular and scheduled basis. Dogs can give once a month if there was urgent need. The blood will be collected and separated into components (packed red blood cells and plasma mainly), and stored. In some cases, it may be used immediately as whole blood.

What’s in it for me?

1. You and your dog could save the life of other dogs each time you donate.
2. Your dog will receive a collar tag which states:  “Proud to be a blood donor” on one side, and “Emergency Clinic for Animals” on the other.  This tag will also be helpful if your dog gets lost and you are not home.  We will take care of him until your return.  Blood donor dogs are very special to us and we will take care of them to the best of our abilities should they need emergency treatment.  They will also get a bandana with the same phrase and a toy from the toy bin.
3. You will receive 1 year of Heartguard ® and Frontline ® donated by Merial.
4. After being enrolled in the program, your dog will receive free vaccinations donated by Merial.
5. At subsequent donations they will receive a toy of their choosing from our toy bin. 
6. After 6 donations you will receive a special thank you gift.
7. Should your animal need packed red blood cells or plasma, they will receive the blood transfusion at no charge.  If their blood is available they will be able to receive their own blood as the transfusion.
8. Prior to the first donation and yearly after that, we will perform blood tests for heartworms, Brucella canis, Ehrlichia spp., Hemobartonella canis, Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdofgeri (Lyme disease), and Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Von Willebrand factor, a routine physical exam, serum chemistries, CBC, and a fecal check for parasites.

Your dog will get physical examinations, all appropriate vaccinations (donated by Merial), heartworm testing, screening bloodwork, and Heartgard Plus (donated by Merial) free of charge. We encourage you to maintain a good working relationship with your vet for routine care.

What will happen on the days my dog gives blood?

You will be greeted and asked for some basic information and your dog will be examined and weighed. A small blood sample will be collected to check the hematocrit (packed cell volume or PCV); this will take just a few minutes. Then, assuming the blood count is okay, your dog will be taken into the treatment area for the blood collection. A small area of fur on the neck will be clipped, to protect him/her from infection and to keep the blood free of contaminants. The blood collection process will take 5-15 minutes or so.  If you prefer, you can drop him or her off, run errands and come back later. After the blood collection, we will monitor the donor for a short time and then you are free to go. The blood will then be centrifuged and separated into plasma (which is frozen and is good for years) and packed red blood cells (which are refrigerated and do not last as long). Your dog’s donation then may help two recipients.

What about cats?

We have been collecting feline blood and separating it into plasma and packed cells since May of 2002. Having blood products on hand for felines is just as important to us as having canine blood products. The increased responsiveness and rapid transfusions have helped get some felines home quicker. At the present time, this and most hospitals maintain a pool of clinic cats and staff-owned cats to provide the blood. Unlike dogs, cats generally require brief sedation or anesthesia for safe blood donation. Like dogs, there are several important and different blood types.

How do I get into the program?

Fill out our Blood Donor Application Form then call the clinic and make an appointment to have your dog’s blood type determined and to have a physical exam. We periodically have large blood drives, but are always interested in setting up an appointment to test your dog. We may request that testing be delayed by a few weeks to get a group of animals tested all at once. This makes scheduling a veterinarian and staff easier.

Still have questions?

Feel free to call the ECA and ask for Mark Koeppl, DVM, Chief of Staff or Sue Lakin, CVT.


Sponsors

The following business has given products to help support our blood donation program:

• MerialP has dontated flea, tick, and heartworm medications as well as routine vaccines. Please ask your regular veterinarian about these products. You may also click on this link to learn more: MerialP.