Chesapeake Golden Retriever Events in Maryland Delaware and Virginia

General Meeting - October 26, 2005

Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank

________________________________

A veterinarian with the Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank presented an informative overview of the all volunteer veterinary blood bank concept. By recruiting volunteer donors from the pet population, they hope to reduce the number of laboratory-based donation centers where dogs are dept solely for that purpose. He described the blood donation process from both the donor's and recipient's perspective. First, the donor eligibility (healthy dog, not pregnant or nursing, no meds except heartworm and flea prevention with some other exceptions) and commitment process (4 - 5 donations per year in order to recoup the testing costs) were reviewed. He had slides showing photos of an actual donation, which requires a dog to lay on the table enveloped in a bear hug by a technician. It was a funny looking pose, but one that Goldens are sure to love! Interestingly, a vein in the neck is used for the donation as this removes the equipment from the dog's view and also allows the total donation time to take only 3-5 minutes! Once complete, treats and praise are provided to the dog - more Golden favorites!

The extensive testing was discussed with some good questions from our members. The most active discussion was on the testing for Lyme disease. The blood bank does not include Lyme as one of the diseases for which it tests since it has proven not transmittable by blood transfusion. Remember, the blood product is processed and chilled after collection. However, since the test it uses for Erlichia also gives Lyme results, we were told that the titer results would be shared if requested.

PetSmart's Banfield Veterinary Hospital in Bel Air is the local donation spot and the blood bank visits every 7 weeks on a Monday. Hours are usually 11:00am to 6:00pm. If more donors are signed up, they will add another day, spacing them about 3 weeks apart and giving the donor family more options.

The first donation visit is a dry run, exposing the dog to the position, the hug, the clippers, and the treats. But... no needles this time!

Several other interesting facts:

The record for most donations is held by a Golden Retriever who started donating at the age of one year and continued until retiring out at age 8 - well over 50 donations.

Dogs over 50 pounds donate the same amount of blood, 1 pint, that a human would in a donation. Although they have half the blood volume of a 150 pound person, their faster metabolism allows them to replace the red cells in under 72 hours!

While an area the size of a quarter must be shaved, Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank does a "show" shave if needed, lifting the Golden mane and shaving a hidden spot.

Chris Saint and Kay Bleinberger are both proud owners of donor Goldens!

For more information or to sign up your dog, visit the Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank website.

or visit there online brochure for more information