Because of this, we wanted to call attention to the fact that it's not just humans who need blood transfusions. Every day someone's pet is in need of life-giving blood as well.
We here in the midwest USA are very proud of the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine for inaugurating a pet blood donor program called Pets Saving Pets.If you're interested to learn more about how they're helping save the lives of their fellow dogs and cats, you can follow them on their facebook page.
We learned about this through Squashies' blog when she fell critically ill. Because she had a rare blood type, her local vet in Baltimore was at a loss to help her.
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| hero kitty, Keeter |
Keeter's blood dramatically improved Squashies' condition and enabled her to begin medical treatment that allowed Squashies and her human to share several more precious weeks together.
And there's more good news: MU's College of Veterinary Medicine isn't the only blood bank in the US by a long shot. There are pet blood banks at several veterinary colleges throughout the US.
Animal blood banks can also be found worldwide, in nations such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and the UK as well.
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| Just some of the animal blood banks, worldwide |
There is even an Animal Blood Registry available for pet owners in the U.S. where you can register your own pet as a potential donor, and possibly give the gift of a life-saving transfusion for someone's beloved pet.
It's a way to help animals in need that's not often discussed - but it's something you might consider asking your local vet about if you think your pet might be a good candidate for donation. Who knows? Your pet's blood donation may be just what a veterinary surgeon needs to be able to perform that critical procedure that saves the life of a beloved family member.
How cool. I didn't know it was National Blood Donor Month. Most of the blood we transfused came from staff member's pets or asking client's if they'd be willing to share their pet's blood. I remember mostly needing blood ready to go from birds when we had to spay them.
ReplyDeleteHow cool. I didn't know it was National Blood Donor Month. Most of the blood we transfused came from staff member's pets or asking client's if they'd be willing to share their pet's blood. I remember mostly needing blood ready to go from birds when we had to spay them.
ReplyDeleteWe did not know about this at all. Food for thought. Thanks for letting us know. Have a marvelous Monday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Wow, we didn't know about his either. What a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeletexo
Never knew this exsisted. Have a fab Monday, we are all behind, family issues :( xx00xx
ReplyDeleteMollie and Alfie
We have blood bank´s for Dogs and Cat´s in Sweden too :)
ReplyDeleteThat is pawsome !
That's cool that they do this in Sweden too!!
DeleteYay for blood donors! They are heros!
ReplyDeleteMany big veterinary hospitals have their own feline and canine blood donors. I know the one we go to does and also the one where we take Java to see her dermatologist. Other vets get blood from these hospitals when they need it.
But they may not have the rare blood groups that some pets need, so it's good to know about the big blood banks. Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrs.
That's exactly what Squashies' situation was - a rare blood type. We thought for a few days maybe Faraday was her type and we were all set to donate...then found out he wasn't a match.
DeleteSquashies blood transfusion was the first time we heard of blood banks for animals too. It is a wonderful that this facility is available for those in need.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. When I go I usually draw blood from the Vet and Vet techs.
ReplyDeleteWe'd worry if you didn't draw blood, CK. Like mebbe you hadz a fever or something!
DeleteThe two emergency hospitals I use have each had resident rescued feline and canine blood donors for years, which was the only way I knew about it. We've heard of the animal blood bank, and the Fantastic Four are ready, just waiting for their human to get it together and get them tested for blood type.
ReplyDeleteThere is a big kitty called Luke who lives at our vet, Dr. C's. He rules the clinic with an iron paw and when a cat needs blood, he is there to help! Our little Yuu-Chan received a transfusion from him during his final illness although he was too sick by then for it to help more than tiny bit.
ReplyDeletePurrs,
The Chans
We hadn't thought of donating blood, but that is a really good idea. I wonder if there is any place in our area? We'll have to ask our {{shutter}} vet.
ReplyDelete