K9 Blood Donor Program

Overview

The Veterinary Specialist Centre takes great pride in delivering excellence in patient care. Part of this endeavour is our ability to provide our patients with blood and plasma transfusions when they need it. Our Canine Blood Donor program is a major source of these vital supplies. Local veterinarians, nurses and members of the public can enrol their dog in our blood donor program so that we can help others when they need it most.

This generous act unquestionably saves lives and improves the quality of life for many animals.

What sort of dogs are suitable donors?

Potential Blood Donors need to satisfy the following criteria:

• Have an up-to-date vaccination program
• Be on Heartworm prevention
• Ideally be between 2—8 years of age
• Be in good health with no history of serious illness
• Weigh over 20kg (medium to large breed)
• Have a good temperament
• Live within close proximity to the VSC

How do I apply?

To have your dog considered for our program please complete this online application form.

Would you like more information?

If you would like to request further information on the program, please contact:

• Ruth Schumi on 9888 9800 (business hours)
• email K9donor@vetspecialist.com.au

What happens once my dog has been accepted?

When we receive your application, one of our staff will telephone you to make an appointment. At this visit we will take a full history from you (it will help if you bring all your relevant paperwork such as vaccination forms) and your dog will be given a thorough physical exam. A simple blood test will be performed for blood typing. You will have the opportunity to discuss all aspects of the program with the staff.

Once your dog is accepted to the donor register, you will be given an information kit, a blood donor card and a K9 Blood Donor collar tag. We will also photograph your K9 Hero to display on our K9 Donor Heroes web page.

Finally, we will reward your dog for each donation they make with a credit voucher for services or products that you can redeem at the VSC.

What’s involved when my dog gives blood?

To ensure the well-being of your pet, each time we schedule a donation we perform the following procedures:

• We will ask about your dog’s recent health, weigh them and then admit them to the hospital for a few hours.
• A repeat blood test is performed to check your pet’s state of health, and also to cross match their blood against the recipient patient.
• A catheter is placed into the front leg of your dog so that they can receive IV fluids after the donation. This is to replace the volume of blood donated and helps to keep your pet feeling well.
• The underside of the neck is shaved and the skin is then carefully cleaned and prepared.
• A special needle attached to the blood collection bag is placed into a vein in the neck and the calculated safe volume of blood is drawn.
• Once the donation is complete we move them to a comfortable bed in our recovery area. They are offered food and sometimes a temporary bandage is applied to the neck.
• Most donors are ready to go home within a few hours.