First Pet Blood Bank Blood Drive In Scotland!

The UK's first national blood bank for dogs is embarking on its first round of "blood drives'' and will be visiting Stirling to collect life saving blood.

Supported Vets Now, Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk), is the first of its kind to collect, process, store and supply pet blood products. This unique service means that dogs in Stirling and across the rest of the UK will have access to blood products through their veterinary practice - providing them with vital and lifesaving treatment.

The PBBuk blood drive will be making a stop at Broadleys Veterinary Hospital in Stirling on Tuesday July 31 at 3pm and dog owners are being urged to contact the PBBuk to see if their dogs could be donors and in fact make an appointment to donate on the day. 

Dogs from Central Scotland Police force will also be taking part in the blood drive, having already donated blood to help their canine colleagues earlier this year. The force uses a variety of dogs, including German Shepherds and Rottweilers - perfect breeds to donate.

A number of conditions must be met before a dog can donate.

• They must be between one and eight years old depending on their breed
• They should weigh over 25kg and be in good health
• Dogs must also never have travelled abroad,
• must have up to date vaccinations,
• never received a blood transfusion.

Dogs can donate up to four times a year, with the blood donation process takes about ten minutes. However, owners should plan on spending up to half an hour at a blood drive. On arrival, dogs will receive a physical examination and a health history will be taken. A small area of hair will be clipped on the dog's neck and around 450ml of blood will be drawn (depending on weight). After the donation, dogs are taken to the refreshment area where they are given a drink and biscuit.

The ability to carry out blood transfusions is often essential for veterinarians when they are fighting to save the life of a family pet. Like humans, dogs benefit from transfusions during surgery and to treat major traumas and disease.

Previously, in order for a blood transfusion to take place, a donor dog had to be available when the blood was required. However, a change in legislation in October 2005 made it possible to apply for licensing to bank pet blood products. Recognising this as an opportunity to develop a national pet blood bank, Vets Now decided to support the set up of the PBBuk charity.

Wendy Barnett, Executive Director of Pet Blood Bank UK, said, "This first round of blood drives marks a significant advancement in veterinary care in the UK. This exciting new initiative will help to save the lives of dogs across the whole country. One donation can help to save as many as four dogs and virtually all larger types of dog can donate."

Richard Dixon, Managing Director of Vets Now, said, "We are delighted to support this excellent initiative which will give dogs all across the UK access to blood products and provide them with life-saving treatment which would not otherwise be available. I hope dog owners from Stirling will get behind us and lend their support by coming along to the blood drive."

To find out more about the blood drives please call 01509 232 222.