Hunt for canine blood donors

WITH more than 1000 canines benefiting each year from crucial transfusions with blood supplied by the University of Melbourne’s Canine Blood Bank, there’s a need for dogs to donate just as humans do.

Every day our canine friends suffer from many of the same conditions that humans do. A dog may require a blood transfusion for many purposes, including cases involving trauma, surgery, disease and poisoning.

Kurt, a two-year-old rottweiler, has been a regular donor for over a year. He belongs to Brian and Ally Howard, who are both Victoria police officers. Ally, a sergeant and a law instructor in the School of Local Policing, Victoria Police Academy, said: “Owners should know that donating isn’t at all stressful for most dogs. The procedure is simple and straightforward, and it only takes about half an hour. Kurt is so relaxed he usually has a bit of a snooze while he’s lying on the table, he loves all the attention, and suffers no after-effects at all.

“Kurt was bred to be a police dog, however, he didn’t quite make it due to a lack of aggression. It is really rewarding to know that he is still managing to contribute to the community by helping to save the lives of other dogs.”

The Canine Blood Bank based at the University’s Veterinary Clinic and Hospital is the only registered supplier of blood cells for pets in Australia, providing urgently required blood products to veterinarians across the continent. Dr Cathy Deague, veterinary registrar at the blood bank, commented: “At this stage we are seriously low on the ground with canine blood, and we desperately need more canine blood donors.

“Anyone with a healthy dog over 26kg, and aged between one and six can become a donor. Dogs should be up-to-date with basic preventative health care such as vaccinations, worming and heartworm prevention, and can donate every 12 weeks. One blood donation can help save the lives of two canine casualties.”

Rottweiler, and former member of the Victoria Police Dog Squad unit, Butch, received life-saving treatment from the blood bank. Butch’s handler and partner at the time, Sergeant Trevor Studham stated: “Butch was stabbed in the throat as he overpowered an armed man during the line of duty. Blood was gushing from his wound, and as a result he lost a lot of blood. He received immediate attention and a blood transfusion at the Canine Blood Bank in Werribee, which saved his life.”

For those dog lovers who would like to get involved, there are a number of participating veterinary clinics across Melbourne where volunteers can take their dogs to donate blood. For details of all participating clinics and donor dates visit www.vet.unimelb.edu.au or call (3) 9731 2328 for further information.

The blood collection procedure is similar to that for humans. Dogs receive a medical check from a veterinarian, and an on-the-spot blood test to ensure they are fit to donate. Blood screening tests are performed at the Veterinary Clinic and Hospital in Werribee to ensure the blood is safe to give to other dogs. The visit to a collection centre takes up to 45 minutes, which includes an examination, blood tests, donation, wind-down time, a drink and a snack.

Benefits to owners and dogs are: Health check by a veterinarian each visit; Liver treats following each donation; Annual blood tests at no charge. After eight donations dogs receive 10percent off referral fees at the University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital; Free blood products for life, in the unfortunate event that it is required (not transferable between dogs or owners).

For further information please contact Andrea Jones, marketing manager, faculty of veterinary science, University of Melbourne, Tel: (3) 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au. - University of Melbourne press release