Did you know that blood transfusions are frequently used in veterinary medicine and that every year hundreds of pets return home in much better health because an animal blood donor “gave a helping paw.”


Registration Form

Complete the form by clicking on the link below. Your information will be processed and preserved in our data base.

For more information, please get in touch with Vanessa Turcot-Lamarche, animal health technician:
514-633-8888, x233 (from outside Montreal: 800-463-8555)



 

The canine donor must • weigh at least 55 lbs (25 kg) • have been treated yearly for heartworm • not sleep outdoors • have been vaccinated yearly • be easy to handle • be between one and 8 years old

The feline donor pet must • weigh at least 10 lbs (5 kg) • not sleep outdoors • have been vaccinated yearly • be easy to handle • be between one and 8 years old

Subscribe your animal to our Blood Bank

 

Compatibility?
Great vigilance is prescribed when a blood transfusion is in order. The incidence and severity of post-transfusion reactions can be considerably reduced if proper preventive measures are followed. And this begins with the verification of the compatibility between donor and recipient.

Compatibility in cats
Cats possess natural anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

Compatibility in dogs
The major blood compatibility test is strongly recommended, albeit not obligatory for a first transfusion. However, if the animal requires a second transfusion after a delay of 4 to 6 days, the Major Cross Match test becomes mandatory, since the animal might by then have developed antibodies against certain blood groups. For fresh frozen plasma, the Minor Cross Match test is suggested in all cases.

Procedures
During the transfusion, close surveillance is strongly advised. The animal’s vital signs must be checked every 15 minutes during the first hour, every half hour thereafter: heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse, mucosa, temperature, as well as hyper salivation, vomiting, tachypnea, dyspnea, tremors and edema. The most common reactions generally occur in the first 30 minutes. During the 12 to 24 hours after the conclusion of the transfusion, regular surveillance must continue (check vital signs every 2 to 4 hours) to discern possible delayed symptoms such as jaundice, hemolysis, hematuria, vomiting, diarrhea or pulmonary edema.

Blood transfusions are a necessity in the running of a veterinary practice. Every patient is unique as to its blood needs and its risk factors. A transfusion might well save its life. It’s always gratifying to see an animal return home in better health after it’s received “a helping paw” from some generous donor. These are our donor:

Dogs          Cats          Retired

A sincere "Thank you" to those animals and their masters.  Without their generosity, hundreds of other animal's life wouldn't have been saved!