Page 16 - Paws and Hooves - Spring 2024

HOW TO...
Become a pet blood donor
Many poorly animals wouldn’t
be alive today if it wasn’t for the
generosity of healthy pets and
their owners, giving their time and
commitment to the Blood Donor
Programme. They are literally
the lifeblood of the pioneering
veterinary care taking place at
the RVC every day. Ever wondered
what’s involved in becoming a
blood donor? We take you through
our process, step by step…
Oliver receiving a health
check before donating
Step 1. Step 4.
Fill in a Blood Donor Your pet gives blood
Enquiry form
Your pet will be weighed, have a
Visit rvcact.com/blooddonorform physical exam and a blood test
to complete your form. We’ll check to check that their red blood cell
if your cat and/or dog is eligible count is high enough. We’ll shave a
to join by asking about your pet’s small patch of fur and apply local
medical details. anaesthetic cream to numb the area.
Step 2. Cats will have a catheter inserted for
their fluid therapy afterwards. After
Have a phone call with their donation, we’ll give your pet a
a blood donor nurse tasty meal and a bag of pet food as a
thank you. We allow plenty of time for a
We’ll answer any questions you
may have and get to know you donation, so the process is gentle and
and your pet a little better. calm. We make notes about their likes
and dislikes so we can tailor their next
Step 3. visit to their preferences.
Your pet receives a full Step 5.
health check free of charge You become part of the
At our RVC Queen Mother Hospital blood donor family
for Animals we’ll conduct a full When a patient receives your pet’s
health check. Your pet will be donation, we pass on any updates we
weighed, given a physical exam receive. Your pet can give blood every
and have blood tests. For cats, three months or at longer intervals if
we also perform an ultrasound you prefer. We conduct a full health
of their heart. Our nurses help check every year they’re on the
your pet to relax by giving programme. We send them Christmas
them loving attention and gifts too and a present when they
treats. This health check retire as a thank you.
will hopefully confirm there
are no underlying health
concerns. A week later we’ll
receive the results and let
you know if they’re suitable
to join the programme.
What makes a pet blood donor superhero?
For pets to be eligible to be a blood donor they must:
• Not be on any medication
• Never have received a blood transfusion
• Not have travelled outside the UK or Ireland
• Be friendly and comfortable with people
• For dogs – must weigh over 15kg and be one to eight years old
• For cats – must weigh over 3.5kg and be one to ten years old
For more information visit rvcact.com/BloodDonorAppeal
P&H SPRING 2024