New Canine Mobile Blood Collection Unit Saves Lives

Beau and the new mobile unit Enough blood was collected to save the lives of up to 32 dogs at a Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk) collection session at the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science on Wednesday (May 20). The blood collection session celebrated the launch of a brand new mobile unit, the first of its kind, donated by specialist pet food manufacturer, Royal Canin. The unit will allow Pet Blood Bank UK to tour the country’s vet schools and reach more donors. Taking place at the veterinary school, the blood collection session offered third-year university students an opportunity to learn about transfusion medicine and to practice their clinical skills on real life subjects, as they performed the pre-donation checks and tests under the close supervision of Pet Blood Bank UK veterinary advisers. Vanessa Ashall, Pet Blood Bank UK welfare officer and veterinary surgeon, said: “It is great for students to be able to see these animals. Transfusion medicine is a new science and I certainly wasn’t taught about it as a veterinary student. Collaboration with veterinary schools is such a positive step, as we are able to educate the vets of the future on the benefits of transfusion medicine and blood typing, whilst giving them some real hands-on experience.” Veterinary support manager for Royal Canin, Chris Geddes, said: “We are really pleased to be able to assist Pet Blood Bank UK become more mobile and reach more donors. The charity’s work is so important to the emergency and critical care of patients, as shown by the tremendous gratitude of the owners of blood recipients.” Golden retriever Beau was one such recipient who had received a transfusion last month after suffering a haemorrhage after surgery for gastric dilatation and volvulus. His owners, Janet and David Liggins, attended the event with a fully-recovered Beau and their other golden retriever, Lotti who gave blood. Mrs Liggins said: “We can’t speak highly enough of all the vets and vet nurses that cared for him – they did a tremendous job looking after Beau, and us! The Pet Blood Bank provided the blood that saved Beau’s life. We are really pleased that Lotti was able to give blood. She was a star – the perfect donor!” Veterinary practices wanting to encourage their clients to put dogs forward as donors, or which would like to support the work of Pet Blood Bank UK, should visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or contact Pet Blood Bank UK on 01509 232 222 or 0844 800 9925 (5p/min).

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