Indeed, just as in humans, animals suffer from a shortage of donor blood. Blood transfusions can aid a pet’s recovery, help them undergo surgery, and increase the effectiveness of treatments.
Up to 13 different blood groups
In humans there are four blood groups: A, B, O or AB. There are also different blood types in animals. Cats have three : A, B and AB, with most cats being group A and group AB being the least common. Horses have eight groups (A, C, D, K, P, Q, U and T) and cattle have eleven (A, B, C, F, J, L, M, R, S, T and Z). Dogs win the prize with at least 13 blood groups.
As in man, animal blood types must match exactly during a transfusion, especially from a pet’s second blood transfusion. Blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death.
Transfusions provide real vital added value in cases of anemia, hemorrhage, accidents, poisoning, etc. etc. They increase the Survival rate up to 25% in animals that ate rat poison and until 60% in dogs whose anemia is due to their own immune system.
Significant shortage of animal blood
Last year, AniCura entered into a close partnership with Animal Blood Bank Benelux (ABB). The veterinary clinic AniCura Du Château (in Gembloux) makes its blood donation infrastructure available to the blood bank several times a year. This allows donors to make a donation right from home.
On the occasion of World Blood Donor Day, Anicura would like to highlight the importance of blood donation among pets and raise awareness among pet owners and veterinarians.
The association calls on pet owners to register their beloved four-legged friends as potential blood donors and draw the attention of veterinarians to the possibility of helping patients with a blood transfusion.
How can your pet donate blood?
Not all pets can donate blood like this. In dogs and cats, it depends on several factors. A dog or cat can donate blood if it:
- is in good health
- is at least one year old and not more than eight years old
- the dog weighs more than 25 kg and the cat more than 4 kg
- is fully vaccinated and treated against parasites
- your cat has been spayed or neutered
- your dog has a calm and docile character
- does not follow a raw meat diet (BARF)
- never received a blood transfusion
- has never stayed abroad
As an owner, you gain valuable information about your pet’s health when you make a donation. Before collection, your pet will undergo a thorough physical and blood examination to determine if it is suitable. The test will also determine his blood type. AniCura veterinary clinics provide a safe and comfortable environment, with highly trained professionals who make the procedure as stress-free as possible for your pet.
For more information about registering your pet as a blood donor, please contact your local AniCura veterinary clinic or visit the AniCura website.
