When humans need life-saving blood transfusions, blood blanks can supply the blood right away. Dogs are just as likely as humans to require blood transfusions; however, the supply of dog blood is far more limited.
Danny, a sick dog in India, was lucky enough to have a brave pup willing to donate his blood.
Danny was a 13-year-old Spitz diagnosed with severe kidney disease. According to the vets, the dog has to undergo a life-saving blood transfusion due to the disease’s long-term effects. Danny’s fur parents were so determined to preserve his life that they traveled to a remote place in India to look for a canine blood donor who could help.
When Anindya Chatterjee learned of Danny’s plight, he immediately rushed his Labrador, Siya, to a local animal clinic. After a thorough screening and evaluation, Siya turned out to be a potential blood donor. The dog is in good general well-being and current on all required vaccinations. According to Anindya, the 15-minute procedure went so smoothly that they did not require an anesthetic or a muzzle to obtain the necessary blood from Siya.
Dog blood donation is increasing in popularity in the United States, and various groups have formed to make canine blood available to those in need. These organizations collect blood from eligible donors in multiple locations and ship it to animal clinics around the country in case of an emergency.
Although animal organizations give canine blood to the general population, they are often overburdened due to the high demand for blood across the country. As a result, several animal clinics allow clients to have their pets donate blood to them directly. These clinics typically offer reduced fees or other incentives to potential donors. This simple operation has the potential to save the lives of many dogs in need.
All photos courtesy of AnindyaChatterjee/Twitter