With more than 1,000 dogs requiring a blood transfusion during 2015, Pet Blood Bank UK provides a 24/7 canine blood bank service for veterinary practitioners across the UK.
Blood collected during donation sessions at our clinic is taken to its state-of-the-art processing centre in Loughborough where it is separated into red blood cells and plasma products and then stored ready for despatch.
Each unit of blood collected can potentially save the lives of four dogs but it is constantly in need of supplies to keep up with a growing need.
The donation session being organised will be hosted by one of our vets Jill Mellink-Davidson. She said: “In the course of my work, I’ve had to call on blood supplies from Pet Blood Bank UK on several occasions – as have my colleagues – and we know the vital difference it can make to the outcome of our patients.
We will be holding a donation session as we want to help the charity help save the lives of many dogs across the country.”
“To be a suitable donor, dogs must weigh more than 25kg, be in good health and aged between one and eight years old.
Giving a donation doesn’t take long – we recommend that owners allow 40 minutes for their appointment, of which the dog will spend ten minutes giving the actual donation. During this time, the dog is encouraged to lie down and relax with their owner by their side.
The important point to note is that, before their dog can donate, owners need to visit the Pet Blood Bank UK website at www.petbloodbankuk.org to register their dog as a potential donor. It’s a simple process and then they will be all set.”
She said: “The welfare of our donors is paramount and Pet Blood Bank UK looks after them very well. Your dog will not only receive a full health check but also receive a goody bag containing an ‘I’m a lifesaver’ bandana and toy of their choice.
If you come along to the session, your dog will be making a potentially life-saving difference to another dog and their family somewhere else in the country!”
Oak House Vets is at 333 Plains Road, Mapperley, and can be contacted on 0115 966 7920.
Pet Blood Bank UK
Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the first and only charity of its kind that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners across the UK.
Just like the human blood service, Pet Blood Bank UK collects from voluntary doggy donors at organised collection sessions nationwide, on average three sessions a week.
The blood is then processed into packed red blood cells and fresh plasma, and delivered to veterinary practices when they need it most.
Every unit of blood collected can help save four dogs’ lives, saving thousands of lives every year.
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