Twin Cities Animal Blood Bank Now Available

Club members can help out this very important venture...
It may save another dog's life...

Only those of us who have had occasion to have an animal needing blood may be aware of how important a development it is that the Twin Cities veterinarians now have an animal blood bank available in the Twin Cities.

The available blood supply for animals nationally is limited.  Prior to the formation of the Twin Cities Animal Blood Bank, blood supplies had to come from one of three national blood banks.

Veterinarian technicians Wendi Gifford and Vicki Wichmann-Miller felt that it was unacceptable to have to wait up to 14 weeks to get plasma for a dog - which could, in some instances, be too late.  Working with South Metro Animal Emergency Care, where the blood bank is housed, the Twin Cities blood bank for animals became a reality.

One of the early contributors to the blood bank was Windsor, Kent Wichmann's dog (see picture).  The blood collected in the photo saved a fellow hunter's life the very next day.  The patient ingested Decon (rat and mouse bait) a week prior and was bleeding internally due to the inability of his blood to clot.  Windsor's blood enabled his body to start clotting its own blood and to start on his long road to recovery.

Lake Country Retriever Club members can help out this very important venture related to our dog's health by seeing if their dogs can be donors.  It may save another dog's life, and just as importantly, it may save your dog's life someday because there is blood available.

Your pet, by becoming a blood donor, can help close the gap between the demand for lifesaving blood and the supply available.  The donation process builds a reserve that allows veterinary hospitals to acquire blood products when they are urgently needed, the reward to you is knowing that the life of a family pet can be saved.

The donation process, which is short and relatively painless, is done in a safe and sterile manner.  A veterinarian and experienced support staff will be on hand for the physical exam and to assist with the donation.

Only a minimal amount of blood is collected at each donation.  Afterwards, the pets relax and enjoy a healthy snack.  Animals are awake during the process.

An added benefit to donors is the extensive, annual health screening process done absolutely free of charge.  The blood is checked thoroughly and both you and your veterinarian will be provided with a detailed report of all findings.

When your pet becomes a donor with the Twin Cities Animal Blood Bank, your animal will be eligible to receive blood free of charge in its lifetime.

Vicki Wichmann-Miller commented that the development of the bank has been a two year project.  It took a year to find the equipment that was needed.  South Metro Animal Emergency Care, where both Vicki and Wendi work, provides the sterile environment and keeps both of them "on the clock" when they are collecting a donation.

There is a screening process to ensure that your pet is eligible to give blood.  A preliminary screening is done over the phone to ensure that your dog is eligible.  Then you will come into the Clinic to have further screening done.  Hopefully, then your animal will become a very important animal blood donor and save the life of another animal friend.  Cats and other animals are also eligible to give blood.

Vicki will be speaking at the December 9 LCRC meeting and showing a slide presentation about the donation process.

If having your pet become a donor interests you, please contact Wendi Gifford or Vicki Wichmann-Miller at the Twin Cities Animal Blood Bank at 612-750-1252.  You should be able to reach this number at any time during the day.

A special congratulations to Kent and Windsor for being pioneer donors and saving a fellow dog's life.