Hunt for Canine Blood Donors
Press release
25 October 2007
With more than 1,000 canines benefiting each year from crucial transfusions, with blood supplied by the 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 Faculty of Veterinary Science'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 twelve 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 call (03) 9731 2328 for further information.
For further information please contact the Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: vet-communications@unimelb.edu.au