Is a relatively young charity. The blood donated is free to veterinary practices, however they are charged for the actual processing of the blood products. Every drop counts, every unit donated can help save up to four other lives. We registered Bramble some time ago, to be a donor the dogs needs to be: 1. Fit and healthy 2. Between one and 8 years of age 3. Weigh more than 25kg 4. Have a good temperament 5. Have never travelled abroad 6. Vaccinated 7.Not on any medication Run as a voluntary scheme, they organise and travel all over the country running blood donor clinics, bit like when we give blood. So I had Bramble booked in late afternoon today. I had a bit of paperwork to complete beforehand, just a basic questionnaire regarding Brambles health. We were greeted by the vet and a nurse, who spent a lot of time getting to know Bramble, feeding her treats, I didn't feel under any pressure whatsoever. Bramble had a small area shaved on her neck, and a little local anaesthetic applied in a gel form. Blood was taken as this was her first visit. They check for any infectious diseases, blood quality etc.. Then Bramble was was weighed, she came in at a 35.3kg which the vet thought perfectly fine for her build. Brambles temperament was assessed and then it was time to see how she felt about the next stage. We went through to the donation room. At this stage it was simply to see how Bramble reacted. Lots of fuss, treats and the decision was made to see how she felt on the donating table. Bramble was lifted on, and placed on her side. She was comfortable, enjoying the attention, and looked like she was going to doze off! The nurses gently held her in position and inserted the cannula into her neck. She didn't even stir. The whole process took about 5 minutes, and a total of 500g donated. Aftercare was excellent, they had a HUGE toybox, where Bramble was encouraged to take a toy to take home, she pounced on a squeaky chicken and paraded around the surgery with it! Then checked again, invited to each a WHOLE bowl of Chappie, more fussing and time to go home complete with goody bag and of course her squeaky chicken Their website: https://www.petbloodbankuk.org/ facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PetBloodBank/
Aw Bramble what a very special thing to do, so proud of you Good job getting squeaky a chicken too It's a shame it's only up to 8 years old as Hattie would be perfect for this as she is soooo laid back and extremely fit and healty. Don't know why I haven't ever thought about it before. What a great thing to do Kate to think of other animals that will need Brambles blood, very humbling xxx
I've seen pet blood donation ads around here but haven't looked into it. That sounds like a great process and love that they get to take a toy home! I doubt Quinn is the right temperament for it just now, as she has been a bit weary at the vet's after she's had to get her eyes flushed/drops put it that last two visits. Last time we went she was visibly stressed Something to think about if she chills out a bit!
I only considered it as Bramble has always been so calm at the vets. Last time she got bored and fell asleep! She loves and naturally trusts people, as long as they introduce themselves properly Here is another photo, you can see she is happy, and not letting go of her squeaky chicken she carried all the way out to the car park!
Wow Bramble, what a superstar! And she not only got a squeaky chicken, but a spiffy bandana? Very cool! I asked my vet friend about blood transfusions in dogs - do dogs have blood types like people do? Yes, they do, but when a dog has its first transfusion they can be transfused with any blood type; it's only when a dog needs subsequent transfusions that they need the correct blood type. I thought that was pretty interesting.
Yes I found it fascinating too, and asked tons of questions! Dogs have basically 2 blood types. The blood typing system is called DEA 1-1 which means Dog Erythrocyte Antigen. Dogs are are either DEA 1-1 positive or DEA negative 1-1. So just 2 blood groups. In dogs that are DEA 1-1 negative they CAN given a DEA 1-1 positive transfusion, but once only. The immune system reacts to t the blood as a foreign body and attacks causing whats known as a HTR or hemolytic transfusion response. This though, only occurs in subsequent infusions with DEA 1-1 positive blood type. The first transfusion just causes sensitisation to the foreign blood group. DEA 1-1 negative dogs therefore are universal donors, with DEA 1-1 positive dogs being universal recipients. I did find it a bit hard coming to terms with the fact that I was making the choice for Bramble...not her. I still find that a bit difficult. It was only the fact that she was so comfortable that I decided (for her..) to go through with it. There is a shortage of blood, and some dogs sadly don't make it with precious transfusions.
Never seen it advertised here, but very interesting. Something I never really thought off not being enough blood for any op for a dog or any animal for that matter. I suppose similar to us humans, you take it for granted and hope should a situation arise there is enough going around. It is more widely advertised though, so more noticeable Well done on Bramble being so calm and giving blood. Well done Zaba for being a blood donor too.
Good to re-visit this thread....Bramble gave blood again today. She was given tea, and a choice of toys after. This time she picked a squeaky pink post box, which quite frankly is driving me mad! Next time girlie is a tuggy toy! Giving blood doesn't sound like it's about choice...but actually, it is. The team are all about Bramble, and she LOVES the attention. On the table, she is quiet, calm and still. The team keep a close eye and keep tabs on her heart rate. Bramble has never been compelled to do anything in her life..so I know without a doubt she is comfortable. The slightest twitch, or lip lick and she would be off that table in a jiffy! After, she bounces around, diving into the toy box, after a drink and scoffing down a tin of food. She is supposed to stay calm..but no at home she just wants to play, and annoy the heck out of the rest of us with that darn toy!!!
wow, that is one heck of a squeak, Cass says she'd like one ! I think she'd meet the criteria, although she is currently only .5kg over the weight. I might look into it . She loves going to the vets, even post spay when I take her in for weight check.
Two of my dogs have been blood donors but the recipients both died unfortunately. I must admit I was reluctant to let my dog be a blood donor for the last dog, but as it was a friend's dog and very ill, I agreed. However, there was no biscuits, no squeaky toy, just in, take blood and out!
In Portugal the donors have the obligation of give blood all 3 months or in urgency cases, even between the 3 months. I don't know if could have some risk of disease if the dog give blood in a space of time less than 3 months. Someone knows if could be dangerous?
Well done, Bramble! I love the photos - she looks like she's had a marvellous day out. A squeaky post box AND saving lives? That's a real win-win!
Benson's face! By the way, playing the video got BOTH Paul and Carbon off the sofa and staring intently at my laptop screen. Carbon even did a head tilt! He only has one squeaky toy so far and it's the precious squeaky snake, which only comes out for supervised play as he wants to EAT poor squeaky snake. So you can imagine his jealousy that Bramble gets a squeaky post box.
