Dogs Get Gift of Life This Christmas Thanks to Canine Blood Bank

A gravely ill Glasgow dog has been given a festive gift of life after receiving a vital blood transfusion thanks to the Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk).

Rosie – a bearded Collie – recently underwent an operation to have her spleen removed at the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital and, according to her owner, would not have survived if the hospital had not been able to access to blood products from the Pet Blood Bank UK -  the UK’s first national canine blood service.

Rosie – who has since made a full recovery – received her life saving blood from Kai, a German shepherd, whose owner took him to gave his donation at a blood drive organised by the PBBuk in Stirling in November.

Launched in March, PBBuk is the first service of its kind to collect, process, store and supply pet blood products. PBBuk is a registered charity supported by Vets Now and is based at a dedicated state of the art unit in Loughborough, Leicestershire. The service means that dogs all over the UK now have access to blood products through their veterinary practice, providing them with vital, lifesaving treatment.

Pauline Aitken, Kai’s owner, said, “I’m a blood donor myself so it was only natural for me to take Kai along to give blood to the Pet Blood Bank. He was very relaxed when he donated and enjoyed the biscuits he received afterwards. I was delighted to meet Rosie, who made a great recovery, and see the positive impact of Kai’s donation.

Wendy Barnett, Executive Director of Pet Blood Bank UK said, “It’s great to be able to unite the two dogs. Kai’s owner now has a greater appreciation of the importance of taking her dog along to give blood. One donation can help as many as four dogs, so Kai’s blood will have helped not just Rosie, but dogs across the country.”

Dr Ian Ramsey, director of the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital, said: “Blood donations play an important part in a large number of the procedures we perform at the hospital.

“Without them, many animals would not make it through surgery and we are grateful to the all the owners who donate their pet’s blood.”

To date, the Pet Blood Bank UK has received 300 donations which amounts to 800 units of blood.

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.

The next Pet Blood Bank UK blood drive will take place in Stirling in February. Dog owners should contact the blood bank on 01509 232 222 for more information.