By Roberta Howery, Colorado Chapter SCI board member
Our canine friends have over 12 blood types; more than the eight groups we humans possess. And, just like humans, for a dog undergoing surgery, the victim of an accident, or facing a life-threatening emergency, a blood transfusion often means the difference between life and death.
“I didn’t know dogs could donate blood” is the usual comment I hear. They certainly can, and there are canine blood banks throughout the nation, including a very good one in Colorado Springs. A small amount of blood is drawn during a quick, painless procedure (accompanied by biscuits, which makes a donation eagerly anticipated by most dogs) that takes about 15 minutes.
The donor’s blood is typed, cooled, processed and stored, and within 24 hours it can be on an overnight flight to a veterinary or emergency clinic anywhere in the country. It is estimated that every single donation can save up to four dogs in need.
Our family of hunting Labradors has donated blood at HemoSolutions (3890 Village Seven Road, 719.380.1900) for over 25 years. A donor dog should be at least one year old, weigh over 35 pounds, and have all vaccinations and heartworm preventatives up to date. Hunting dogs in particular make great donors, since they are usually in great shape and well cared for. HemoSolutions suggests letting a dog take it easy for a couple of days, but our Labs have thoroughly ignored that advice.
Dogs are retired from the program when they reach eight years of age. One of our little female Labs was credited with helping 247 different canine brethren over her donating lifetime.
HemoSolutions will provide regular bloodwork results to you at no charge, saving you some cash at your next vet visit. They also provide a credit to your account at your vet after every six donations.
The real reward comes from knowing how many dogs are now sending silent “thank yous” to our Labrador crew.
You can learn more at www.hemosolutions.com.
