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This is a first for me. I knew dogs received blood during surgery but I never thought about donations. Wow! I guess this is one of those things that many people don't think about until there is a need. Too bad my boys are too small.
http://web.sunherald.com/content/biloxi/2001/08/29/local_news/it_0829_Doggie _Blood_Drive.htm
[ August 29, 2001: Message edited by: Genia ]
I saw a segment on that on a show on Animal Planet once. There were two greyhounds who donate regularly. They lived with a family but were co-owned or something by a scientist place who had them come in to give blood. The dogs were so good about it, and it never bothered them. I think it's such a great thing for a dog (or person, for that mattter!) to do.
At the local vet emergency clinic, they have two live-in cats that are on duty all the time to give comfort and give blood!
Both cats are very good at dealing with lots of strange animals coming in, and lots of noise and excitement during an emergency. Apparently their calm temperament lets them relax through the adventure of giving blood too.
Animals have given so much to human medicine. I hope we keep using technology from human medicine to help the animals in return!
P.S. Anyone that has a heart pacemaker can put in their will that it be donated to a vet school to be used for dogs. The pacemaker can't be reused by a human, but dogs can receive them and get a new lease (leash?) on life! :cool:
Greyhounds are considered universal donors, and they are also very good about giving blood, so we looked into this with our three greys. Our vet does not take blood, so we would have to travel to the Michigan State Vet. Hospital to donate - that's about 2 to 2 1/2 hours away (one way!)! We opted not to pursue that at this time. :( ...Wish there was someplace closer...
I had Graham tested about a year ago to see if he was a universal blood type so he could donate and he was, but the clinic who takes the donations keeps calling me during the week while I am at work to see if Graham can donate! I have told them time after time that I work during the day and I really don't want to take off work to take Graham to donate blood, and they keep telling me that they'll call me and have me do it on a Saturday but they still continue to call me during the work week :rolleyes: and have yet to call me on a Saturday. Oh well, maybe if I am a "housewife", stayhome mom, or I cut to part time, I can take Graham sometime during the week.