12-03-2007 - Pet Blood Bank UK
New UK Charity Pet Blood Bank UK
On Saturday we had the pleasure of meeting up with the volunteers of the new Charity Pet Blood Bank UK which is also supported by the leading out of hours veterinary service Vets Now.
They are aiming to do just as their name suggest up until recently it wasnt possible to store blood but things have changed. At the moment they are only operating within a two hour radius of their lab in Loughborough BUT the more they can get out their and build their service up the more these constrainted areas WILL increase.
PPBuk aim to collect and store blood from donors the length and bredth of the UK to ensure that should someones pet become ill there is blood already safely available to help save lives.
They will be setting up regular blood drives all around the country and are appealing for people to get in touch and register their dogs as donors.
To involve your dog they should meet the criterias laid out below....
Good Temprement
Between 1 & 8 years of age
Be over 25kgs in weight
Should NOT have travelled abroad
Vaccinated for at least 1 month
PPBuk need all the help that anyone can give. Even if your dog is not suitable to become a donor there are many other ways that you can help them.
Please do take the time to visit their website at www.petbloodbankuk.org for more information.
On Friday 10th March Gaps very own Arthur and Andywillows Willow were two of the first greyhounds to act as donors for stored blood. Slim & Bea other Gap hounds have donated directly through vets in emergency situations before. The procedure is not painful or detramental to the dogs well being and they simply have a shaved area and are required to lie still for around 15 minutes whilst blood is taken from the neck. The dogs are totally happy after and were spoilt with treats and a drink from the staff.
Greyhounds especially do make good donors so please if you think your hound would be suitable and you are willing to offer your service do take the time to visit the site as above or call 0844 800 9925.