Approximately 200 dogs and 30 cats regularly donate blood in Romania to the only pet blood bank in the country, located in the Capital. This blood has been used for transfusions for over 1,500 animals. In some cases, not a few, lives were saved.
“Active canine donors, who donate regularly (once a month), are about 200, and feline donors about 30.
Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to collect and use blood from other small animals, “Dr. Ruxandra Florea, Hemopet, told Ziare.com.
Donate dogs and cats of all breeds, the doctor told us: “The most impressive donor we had was a Kangal dog, a giant dog breed that can reach 70 kg as an adult. we also harvested dogs from Dog German, Barzoi, and cats from Rag Doll and Norwegian Forest. “
No danger to the donor
The doctor wanted to specify that there are no side effects either during or after the donation. There is no danger for the donor.
“Blood collection and transfusion are procedures identical to those for humans, the difference being the higher frequency of donation to animals.
If a person can donate 2-3 times a year, the dog and cat can donate monthly, their blood regenerating much faster. A large dog (> 25 kg) can safely donate 450ml of blood, and a cat can donate 50ml “, the Hemopet representative also declared.
Conditions to become a donor
However, the animals must meet certain conditions in order to donate. The age must be between 1 – 8 years and there is a minimum weight limit: in the case of dogs of 25 kilograms, in the case of cats of 4 kilograms. “They must be good and relaxed, because the act of donation is a voluntary one for them as well”, Ruxandra Florea also explains.
“An animal cannot donate if it is not clinically healthy. Animals that suffer or have suffered from: parasitic blood diseases (such as Babesiosis or Heartworm disease), animals that suffer from heart or kidney disease, animals that have suffered before are not accepted for donation. another blood transfusion in the past.
Also, females are not accepted during the heat, pregnant or breastfeeding “, the specialist also specified.
And the animals that donate are also rewarded; they benefit free of charge from preventive medicine: vaccinations, deworming, blood tests.
But the most important thing is that “a donating pet can ensure, for the owner of an animal in difficulty, the presence or disappearance of that friend in his life,” explains the doctor. In other words, these donor animals can be seen as heroes, without exaggeration.
Although many Romanians find out that there is a blood bank in Romania only now, in reality it has appeared since 2011. It was inspired by a blood bank in Poland and benefited from the guidance of specialists there, Ruxandra Florea also told us .
– .
