Yes – dogs need blood just as people need blood for emergencies such as internal bleeding from being hit by a car, oncology, critical care needs, etc.  The availability of blood products can sometimes mean the difference between saving a life or not.  Blood transfusions can help an anemic or bleeding patient, or make surgery or other treatment possible.

The Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has established a volunteer canine blood donor program utilizing personal pets to donate blood.  Our companion dogs can help to save the lives of other companion dogs.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BEING A BLOOD DONOR DOG?

Healthy dogs between the ages of one and ten years can be potential donors.  All candidates must be a minimum of fifty pounds, in good health, current on vaccinations (although vaccinations cannot be given within the month before donation), not in estrus, and presently not on any medication other than heartworm preventative or thyroid medication.  Several blood tests are performed prior to donation to ensure adequate health status.  Also, your dog’s temperament is an important criterion.  They will not ask your dogs to do anything that the dog is not "in the mood to do."  During the collection process, which takes only a few minutes, dogs are relaxed and resting comfortably on their side. No restraints or sedatives are used for the procedure. They encourage the owners to be present during the blood donation.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM DONATING?

No ill effects have been observed from donating a pint of blood.  Your pet is encouraged to lie still for a few minutes after the donation process to avoid any feelings of dizziness or nausea.  They have never seen signs of these conditions after a donation, but merely follow the same precautionary measures adhered to in human blood donation.  The donors are offered a bowl of tasty food and water immediately after donating.  This helps to replenish nutrients, and also serves as a reward for their cooperation.  They recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for twenty-four hours following donation.  The red blood cells are replaced in approximately two to three weeks.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT BLOOD GROUPS (TYPES) IN DOGS?

As in humans, dogs have many different blood groups.  One blood type (DEA 1.1) appears to be most important regarding compatibility when transfusing a dog.  Therefore, only dogs which are "negative" for this blood type are enrolled in the program.  These dogs are referred to as “universal donors.”  Donor and recipient blood will be typed and/or crossmatched in order to ensure a compatible transfusion and to avoid transfusion reactions.

The concept of people and their pets helping other people and their pets really says it all about this program!  An extra bonus is that once a dog donates, it becomes a lifetime member of Penn Animal Blood Bank.  If ever in need of a transfusion, blood is guaranteed to be available for donors free of charge. In addition, a CBC (Complete Blood Count) and a heartworm test is done once a year free of charge. You will also receive either a case of canned Science Diet or a bag of dry Science Diet each time your dog donates.

The University of Pennsylvania Mobile Bloodmobile now goes to a location in Bethlehem (see information about Wanda Golden below) once every three months to collect doggie blood donations. Appointments are scheduled for every 15 minutes as, from start to finish, each dog takes 15 minutes or less.

The School of Veterinary Medicine unveiled and dedicated a new Animal Bloodmobile on May 7 at the Veterinary Hospital (VHUP). The Bloodmobile was made possible by a generous gift from the Wurster Family Foundation. Bogie, a Labrador retriever owned by members of the Wurster family, was a VHUP patient whose life was saved by numerous blood transfusions.

The new Bloodmobile will be used for blood drives organized by breeders, dog clubs and veterinarians in the Delaware and Lehigh Valley. These drives are held two or three times a week. Blood is collected from 10 to 15 dogs that are brought by their owners. The donation takes just a few minutes and the dogs don't mind the collection. They are rewarded with a treat of meaty dog food and lots of pats on the head. The blood is brought back to VHUP where it is processed and separated into its components such as red blood cells, plasma and clotting factors. One unit of blood helps more than one patient. The blood and blood products are typed and matched to ensure compatibility between donor and patient.

The new vehicle is 24 ft. long, 8 ft. 4 in.wide and weighs 7 tons. The Bloodmobile, custom-built to the specifications of the Penn Animal Blood Bank team, consists of a Ford chassis with a V 10 engine and a custom-built body, equipped with a hydraulic exam table, a scale, a holding cage, sink and ample counter space for equipment. There are seats for three people. The new vehicle has storage space, including a compartment accessible from the exterior for dog food that is given to the donor's owners.

VHUP's blood donor program has the motto "Pets Helping Pets" and began in 1987 to meet the need of the hospital's patients. The Penn Animal Blood Bank has grown tremendously over the years; since its beginning more than 3,000 dogs have participated. Currently close to 1,000 dogs from the Delaware and Lehigh Valley are active donors. It is the largest voluntary canine blood donor program in the nation. The bloodmobile is a vital part of the hospital's lifesaving treatments for patients.

Each day, more than 10 blood transfusions are administered to VHUP's patients.
To donate blood, a dog must be good-tempered, at least one year of age, weigh at least 50 lbs., be in excellent health and have current vaccination status. Those interested in having their dog donate blood should contact Wanda (information below).

If interested, PLEASE call or email Wanda Golden (who has taken over the bloodmobile schedules) to set up appointments (you must have an appointment) so she doesn’t have to call YOU!! Her telephone number up until 9 PM is (610) 838-2572 and her email address is danemom@rcn.com. Her time is extremely limited and I would appreciate your cooperation in booking times for your dog. You can schedule for the whole year if that is your preference.

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