Critically ill dogs and cats need your help!

	Hawk, Donor		Lacey, Recipient

In January 2003, a 2 year-old Australian Shepherd named Lacey was rushed to South Metro Animal Emergency Care in need of an emergency blood transfusion. The veterinarian on duty, Dr. Eric Hawksford, volunteered his own 3 year-old labrador retriever, Hawk, to donate the blood that saved Lacey's life.  Four days later, Lacey went home and made a complete recovery.

The Twin Cities Animal Blood Bank initially drew donations from cats and dogs at local animal shelters. However, with new animals arriving daily and others continuously being adopted out, this was not a reliable long-term source for donations.

After meeting Twin Cities Animal Blood Bank's staff and learning about the program at a fundraiser for the Minnesota Valley Humane Society, Asa, a 5 year-old Collie, became TCABB's first official canine blood donor. Asa, along with 30 other canine donors and approximately 20 feline donors, has helped TCABB build a ready supply of blood and blood products for area veterinarians.

To become a donor, pets must be between the ages of 1 and 9, healthy (not on any medication), even-tempered, and current on all core vaccinations. Feline donors must be indoor-only and test negative for feLV/FIV. Canine donors must be on heartworm preventative and test negative for heartworm, lyme, and ehrlichia.  All female donors must be spayed with no history of pregnancy.

Donation appointments take approximately 60 minutes for dogs and 90 minutes for cats.  Pet parents can drop their pets off, run a few errands, and pick them up again afterwards.

Because your pet's welfare is extremely important to us, they will be examined by one of South Metro Animal Emergency Care's veterinarians before each donation. During this exam, we will check your pet's packed red cell level to ensure that he or she will not experience any ill effects from that day's donation.

For their own safety and comfort, cats are lightly sedated with a hydromorphone/acepromazine injection and maintained on isoflurane gas.

Finally, your pet will remain under observation for a short period, and pets who have not been sedated can enjoy a healthy (and delicious) snack.

Are there any risks to my pet becoming a donor?
We do everything possible to eliminate risks for our donors. Our vigilance starts with the extensive screening process of potential donors, and continues as our experienced, compassionate staff monitors your pet's vital signs throughout the donation procedure and beyond.  Each donor is precious to us, and we promise to treat your pet as if it were our own.

Can I be with my pet during the donation?
Blood donation is a new and unfamiliar experience for your pet, and their reaction and behavior during the process may be unpredictable.  Therefore, it is best, for their safety and comfort, if they are handled exclusively by our trained and experienced staff.  However, you are welcome to sit with them during their recovery as they are monitored by the staff and enjoy their treat.

How often can my pet safely donate blood?
Although blood marrow replaces most of the red blood cells donated as quickly as 3 days after donation, we collect donations no more than once every 8 weeks.  Your pet's welfare is always our highest priority, and we will never put their health and well-being at risk.

Will I be expected to be 'on-call' 24 hours a day?
Ideally, donor families are somewhat flexible and have easy access to transportation. When we create your donation schedule, we will ask you when you prefer to receive calls - and when you prefer not to receive calls.  We will do our best to respect your schedule, and in the event of late-night or early-morning emergencies, will always contact staff members participating in the program before we disturb our other donors.

Does my pet have to be shaved?
Yes, a small area on your pet's neck will need to be shaved, cleansed, and sterilized both for your pet's safety during the procedure and to prevent donation contamination.  The fur will usually grow back within 6 weeks.

Does my pet have to be sedated for the procedure?
Through our screening process, we hope to eliminate dogs that will become too stressed by the donation process.  However, cats benefit from light sedation.  Our goal is to make your pet's donation experience as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.