CANINE BLOOD DONOR PROGRAM

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Dr. Rouse at Colorado Vet Specialists/Animal E.R. maintains a canine blood bank and has invited members of the puppy raising community in Colorado to participate. While puppies being raised for Guide Dogs are not eligible to be donors, career change dogs and pet dogs may participate.
"My dog saves lives. What does yours do?" “Dalton” a sweet and loving 11 year old Cocker Spaniel came into Animal ER last February bleeding profusely from a wound on his mouth. Unable to stop his bleeding we diagnosed “Dalton” with a severe clotting disorder. Unable to clot his wound could have been life threatening, “Dalton” would need an immediate blood transfusion in order to save his life. Thanks to Justin Ward who has been a donor for more than two years “Dalton” received his transfusion and is enjoying his favorite pastime (chasing a tennis ball) to this day. Most people aren't aware that canine blood donation saves hundreds of lives each year. From serious injuries like car accidents to debilitating chronic conditions dogs too need blood transfusions in order to save their lives. Animal ER is very lucky to have a very special group of dogs we call “our core donors” who are always willing to help out day or night. We are always looking for new additions to our “donor family,” people and pets who are hero quality and willing to help those who need it. SO, IS YOUR DOG HERO QUALITY??? Hero requirements: • over 50 pounds • between the ages of 1-8 • free of any major medical issues • current on vaccines/on heart worm preventative • of appropriate temperament • willing to donate every 8-10 weeks • females who have never given birth • not currently on any medications (beside supplements) and most importantly... Willing to donate blood to save lives! Benefits include: • $30.00 honorarium (after 1st donation) • yearly blood work run at no charge • 10% discount from the ER (in case of an emergency) If you are interested in becoming part of the Animal ER blood donor family please contact Kira or Megan at 720-283-9348
Lodge lies still has his blood is drawn	MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOUR DOG BECOMES A BLOOD DONOR: A physical exam at the first visit includes drawing blood from a leg for the heartworm test and a CBC (complete blood count), full blood chemistry panel and blood type. After the preliminary tests are complete, the vet staff will determine if the dog is qualified to be a blood donor. Dogs that are accepted as donors return at a later date to give their first blood donation. When a dog arrives to give blood, it is placed on an exam table for a jugular draw. Its owner may assist the technicians by holding the dog still, or may be asked to stay in the waiting room, since many dogs are better behaved on their own. If a dog is nervous or excitable, it may be given a short-acting minimum dose tranquilizer. Then a small spot on the collar area of the neck is shaved and sterilized, and the needle inserted. As blood is drawn, it is collected in a bag until it accumulates to the desired weight. Finally, the area may be lightly bandaged and the dog is free to go. On the day of donation, the dog should have a small meal before and a regular meal after giving blood. Need and blood type determine how often dogs will be asked to donate, but they can give blood as often as every six weeks. The blood will be used to help ill or injured dogs. Some of the blood will be kept as "whole red blood," which can be stored for about 45 days. The rest will be separated into plasma, which can be frozen up to a year. HPWT puppy raisers are encouraged to deposit funds earned through blood donation into the graduation account set up for them within the club bank account.	Lodge receives a food reward after the bloodwork is done. For him, it makes it all worthwhile!
HPWT's Blood Donor Dogs
Clint, raised by John-David and Randi Peet	Daytona, raised by Janet & Chris Ford	Derby, raised by Amy & Sue Green

Gidget, raised by Carmen Moyer	Marnie, raised by Lizz Landert Kristi Anderson

Jet, raised by	Rascal, raised by the DeKruif family

RETIRED BLOOD DONORS
Arlin, raised by Carmen Moyer Owned by Tiffany Krampert (Retired)	Furley, raised by Ryan DeKruif (retired)	Joel, raised by Carmen Moyer, Owned by Caroline Wriston Retired in 2006

Lodge, raised by Carmen Moyer, was the first dog in the Animal E.R's Blood Donor program. At the tine of his retirement, Lodge had donated more blood than any other dog in the program. Retired in 2006	Tyro, raised by Amy Green Retired in 2005 1998-2009