Just like blood donation, transfusion is also common among human beings, but did you know that it is possible to perform the blood transfusion in dogs and that this procedure saves lives?
Furthermore, transfusion should only be carried out in well-equipped veterinary clinics and hospitals with very well-trained professionals.
Continue reading and find out how it is done, when it is necessary and what the criteria are for your dog to become a blood donor.
What is blood transfusion?
It is a delicate procedure which consists of transfer of blood or blood components from a donor to a recipient.
This occurs when the animal’s own body is unable to increase the number of red blood cells, the volume of red blood cells and the hemoglobin content of the blood.
Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly necessary to carry out blood donation for dogs.
How can a dog donate blood
Despite the admirable act, not all dogs can donate blood.
This because there are necessary and important requirements to ensure the recipient animal is having access to a healthy blood transfusion.
Check out the main requirements for your pet to become a donor.
Prerequisites for blood donor dogs:
• Be between 1 and 7 years old;
• Weigh more than 25 kg;
• Be up to date with vaccinations and deworming;
• Free from fleas, ticks and other parasites;
• Be clinically healthy;
• Not being pregnant, in the case of bitches;
• Have a docile temperament.
However, if your dog meets the necessary requirements, take him to a veterinary blood bank so that he can save many lives.
In addition, some veterinary hospitals also carry out collection, as there are many canine blood donation campaigns.
How do I know if my dog needs a transfusion?
In general, the decision regarding the need for blood transfusions in dogs needs to come from a veterinarian. Because it considers the patient’s clinical and laboratory criteria.
In most cases, the procedure is necessary when there are diseases that directly interfere with the concentration of red blood cells in the animal’s body, such as some specific situations such as: acute hemorrhage, blood transfusion in a dog with anemiaamong other scenarios.
What are the risks of a blood transfusion in dogs?
Many owners have doubts as to whether blood transfusions in dogs are dangerous, but in reality the procedure is very safe, and if necessaryas it is carried out by professionals with the aim of improving the condition in which the pet finds itself.
What are the side effects?
The animal will be monitored during the procedure and for the following 24 hours.
Furthermore, professionals will act strategically to ensure that side effects of blood transfusion in dogs are null or highly reduced.
One way to do this is to limit transfusions to only the blood components the patient needs.
This reduces the chance of adverse reactions from exposure to foreign antigens, that is, molecules that stimulate the dog’s immune system.
But, if the pet has any reaction, the symptoms will be:
• Tremors;
• Fever;
• Vomiting;
• Salivation;
• Seizures;
• Increased heart and respiratory rate.
What is the value of a blood transfusion for dogs?
The price usually varies, as around 500 ml costs R$380. However, the quote depends on the location of the veterinary hospital.
Furthermore, it is possible to carry out free blood transfusion in dogs in public clinics.
National Blood Donor Day
When mentioning the importance of blood donation campaigns for saving animal lives, we must pay homage to the National Blood Donor Day.
The date was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2004, therefore National Blood Donor Day is celebrated on November 25th.
The objective is to make people aware of the importance of donating blood, as a great attitude saves many lives.
Now that you know the enormous importance that this initiative has in the lives of animals, how about going to the veterinarian and checking if your dog meets the requirements to become a donor?
Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with exclusive news
that can transform your routine!
