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Red blood cells are used in the treatment of anemia (low red blood cell count). Red blood cells may be needed following an accident or during surgery. They are also needed when your dog�s body cannot produce enough red blood cells by itself or when diseases cause the body to destroy its own red blood cells.
Plasma contains proteins or enzymes which help to clot the blood. It can be used to treat bleeding due to liver disease or bleeding seen with the accidental ingestion of rodent poisons. Plasma is also used when the protein or albumin of the patient becomes very low. Another component of plasma, cryoprecipitate, is used in the treatment of hemophilia or in other inherited bleeding problems.
Where does the blood come from? The blood is collected at Washington State University�s College of Veterinary Medicine from blood donor dogs. These dogs are usually greyhounds obtained from a greyhound adoption agency. The dogs are brought to Pullman, adopted
into loving homes, and brought in for blood collection on a scheduled basis. Blood donation is not painful, takes about 5-10 minutes, and is very similar to the donation process in a human blood bank.
Is this blood safe? All of the donor dogs are screened for a number of blood-borne infectious diseases to insure healthy dogs enter the program. Only dogs which have a �universal� blood type are used, so there is less risk of a transfusion reaction in the patient. The blood is collected in sterile plastic bags and is handled and stored in much the same way as human blood. Each bag has an expiration date and is destroyed after it expires.
How are dogs transfused?
Before blood or blood products are given to your dog, your veterinarian will generally perform a crossmatch to assure that the blood is compatible with your dog. Blood is then given slowly through a special filter into the vein. The speed of transfusion and how much blood is given will vary with the needs and size of the animal.
Is my dog at risk from transfusions?
This blood has been collected properly from healthy, universal donor dogs, and the risks from the transfusion itself are minimal. Some dogs may develop a fever or mild facial swelling during or after transfusion. This can be treated by your veterinarian. Dogs with serious illnesses getting repeated transfusions are more likely to develop transfusion reactions. Your veterinarian can answer questions about the risks involved in these special cases.
Where is the blood kept until my dog needs it?
Blood is stored at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Washington State University and is also
shipped to Spokane veterinarians as needed.
How is the Veterinary Transfusion Medicine program supported?
The WSU Program in
Veterinary Transfusion Medicine and the WSU Transfusion Service was
started in 1988 with the help of a grant from the National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute. The transfusion service continues today, with support
provided through the sale of products and through the generous donations
of the Inland Empire Veterinary Medicine Association and the Spokane Pet
Emergency Clinic. Additional contributions are always welcomed to defray
the costs of donor dog blood testing and health care.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. K. Jane Wardrop, DVM
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-6610
Phone: 509-335-0828
FAX: 509-335-7812 |
