Yesterday (August 13) Arrowhead Veterinary Centre held its first ever animal blood donor drive. 

While only having a short couple weeks to pull the drive together, Arrowhead was booked up with local canine families who wanted to be involved. Twenty dogs were booked in to have their blood tested and typed to make sure they were suitable candidates for the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. 

Mary Robinson, National Laboratory Coordinator for the Canadian Animal Blood Bank, says Cochrane dogs not only did well throughout the process but many were universal donors which are extremely beneficial to the blood bank. "The reason is the vast majority of vet clinics usually request the DEA 1- blood type and it is spoken for before we even collect it, so we are usually unable to fill the need that it is out there. We have been trying to educate the public and veterinary community to blood type and have it become a standard part of care just so it's on file and then they can request the appropriate blood type."

With 75% of dogs being DEA 1+, Cochrane is a gold mine for its universal donors. Robinson, says there are some breeds that are typically more known to be universal donors. "Greyhounds, Irish Wolf Hounds, Great Pyranese are usually a 50/50 split, Weimaraner, German Shepards, Siberian Huskeys, Boxers, Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Old English Sheep dogs, and German Short-Haired Hunters."

While the blood bank always encourages pet owners of the certain breeds to donate, they accept all dogs as they spin it down and process it to make various needed component therapy products. "We make patch red cells, fresh, frozen and regular plasma, as well carbo precipitates just like the human world."

Blood donations can be used to help dogs with Parvo virus, if they get into rat poison, clotting disorders, anemia, as well as emergency cases. 

There are a number of drives that occur throughout the week in Canada, but the demand is greater than what they collect. Robinson would love to see more clinics on board. "We are eventually hoping to launch big blood typing clinics to be able to get more negatives."

There is no confirmed date for a second blood drive at Arrowhead Veterinary Centre, but you are invited to have your pooch added to the list by calling the clinic.

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Pets Can Donate Too