Veterinary Practice News
2013 CCVSS Pet Blood Donor Program
Like people, dogs can have life threatening diseases and illnesses that require blood products. Here at Critical Care & Veterinary Specialists we stock a number of blood products for dogs and cats ( packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate). However there is one product that we do not stock because it has to be fresh and that is fresh whole blood.
For this reason we are starting a blood donor program. We are looking for dogs and cats to become long term donors for our clinic.
Requirements for becoming a canine blood donor CBD:
- Healthy 2-7 year old cat, 10 lbs or more in weight, 3/5 body condition score
- Must be well mannered and social
- No history of serious disease
- Medications exclude cats from the program. Antibiotics and short term medications must be stopped 14 days prior to donating.
- Must commit to two years of participation ? may donate as often as 4-12 times a year
- Must be FeLV, FIV and FIP negative and current on vaccinations ( rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, rabies).
- Must live in Florida year round.
Requirements for becoming a feline blood donor FBD:
- Healthy 2-7 year old dog, 55 -150 lbs and 3/5 body condition score
- Must be well mannered and social
- No history of serious disease
- Medications exclude dogs from the program. Antibiotics and short term medications must be stopped 14 days prior to donating.
- Must commit to two years of participation ? may donate as often as 4-12 times a year
- Must be on monthly heartworm medication, current on all vaccinations (distemper, rabies, parvovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza)
- Must be indoors only and so should the other cats in the household.
- Must live in Florida year round
Testing will involve
- Complete physical examination
- Blood pressure
- Blood typing
- Full blood work (CBC, chemistry, heartworm check, tick titers)
- Fecal exam and urinalysis
- Cats will be tested for FeLV and FIV, FIP.Additional screening tests for infectious diseases include Mycoplasma genus and Bartonella spp.
- Dogs will be tested for Brucella canis, Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Mycoplasma, Leishmania, Anaplasma, Bartonella and Borrelia burgdofegeri (Lyme disease)
How is the blood collected?
We collect the blood from the jugular vein with aseptic (sterile) technique. The jugular is used as it is the least sensitive area to collect from. The patient lies on its side for about 10-20 minutes while this is happening. After collection, a bandage is applied to the neck. Cookies are part of the deal as well as a toy.
What is provided for donating blood?
The pleasure and pride of knowing you are helping save lives is your greatest reward. However, because we test our donors yearly, you will also get information on their general health for free. You must know that the blood you kindly donate will not be charged for to the recipient. Only the materials and time. So your gift is truly free and can make a world of difference to other owners and pets both medically and financially.
How do we schedule appointments to donate?
You do not schedule an appointment. Your number is on our list and when you have donated, you will not be bothered for at least one month. However the call for help may come in at any time. Be ready!
