The CASE Hospital Blood Donor Program
The Companion Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital Blood Donor Program has been developed in response to the rising need for veterinary hospitals to have a dog and cat blood and their blood components available for emergency transfusions at all times.
The need for blood has increased so much that it is no longer able to be met with the use of commercial blood banks and/or the contributions from staff-owned pets alone. Blood transfusions save animal lives and you and your pet can help save the lives of countless critically ill animals that need this blood to live.
We are reaching out to other pet owners who are compassionate and care as much as we do about the health and well-being of all animals. These animals unfortunately may not live another day without a life-saving blood transfusion.
If you have a healthy dog or cat that meets the blood donation requirements, please consider having them donate blood to help these animals in need.
When Do Animals Need Transfusions?
Just as it is for human blood banks, donated animal blood is stored safely until it is needed for transfusion. At a busy emergency and critical care facility like CASE, this need for blood to be used in transfusions arises often. Some possible medical conditions that may necessitate transfusion therapy include:
• traumatic injury where large volumes of blood may have been lost
• prolonged internal bleeding
• parasitic diseases of the red blood cells
• diseases that can cause the body to destroy its blood cells
Once a complete diagnosis has been made and the bleeding and/or destruction of the cells have ceased, many of these conditions are medically manageable. Even so, a blood transfusion may be the best life-saving treatment option available for these patients.
What Qualifies My Pet To Become A Donor?
Routine vet examinations and preventive care are crucial in maintaining your pet’s good health. All potential blood donors should be actively participating in a preventative health care program with their family veterinarian.
Our team at CASE Hospital will contact your veterinarian for your pet’s medical record and will provide them with any blood work results so they can be added to your pet’s medical history.
Dogs: Should be greater than fifty pounds, one to seven years of age, current on vaccinations, not on any medications, in good overall health, and have a friendly disposition.
Cats: Should be greater than ten pounds, one to seven years of age, current on vaccinations, FELV/FIV negative, not on any medications, in good overall health, be indoor only, and have a friendly disposition.The Companion Animal Specialty & Emergency Hospital Blood Donor Program
Blood donations save lives – Have your pet join our team of Animal Heroes today!