CHENNAI: In 2013, Sudharshan Naik first brought his Rajapalayam, Scooby, to the Madras Veterinary Hospital in Vepery to donate blood. The Poligar Hound was three years old then, and he has donated blood seven times. He was awarded a collar medal by the Veterinary Hospital for his service.
“The doctors here take 350 ml of blood every time, and this can save three lives at a time,” said Naik, who came to the blood donation drive held at the Hospital on Monday with Scooby and his three-year-old Kanni Silky.
Silky and Scooby were but two of the 50 dogs that participated in the TANUVAS Voluntary Dog Blood Donor Camp, held by the TANUVAS Animal Blood Bank, a wing of the Department of Clinics at the Madras Veterinary College. The blood bank was established in 2013 to create the requisite supply of canine blood required during surgery and transfusions.
“We have two or three cases every month where we search for dog blood donors. But at times of dire need, it is impossible for us as we do not have the supply. By the time we get the right blood, the condition is critical, and many a times dogs pass away,” said Dr S Balasubaramaniam, Director of Clinics, TANUVAS Blood Bank. He explained that dogs suffer from various kinds of anaemia and post-operational haemorrhage, which requires blood transfusion. The chief guest, N Rajkumar, released an informational CD for pet owners on canine blood donation.
With his eight-year-old Kanni Zinta, who has donated blood five times, Kabbir GKM congratulated the hospital for their initiative, and said, “I have seven dogs, and they are all blood donors here. There have been no mishaps here with any of my dogs. The only issue was that we would have to travel here, which they have solved through the launch of their blood bank ambulance.”
The ambulance will collect and store canine blood in situ. It can store fresh red blood cells and fresh plasma. TANUVAS also hopes to hold three annual blood collection drives to increase awareness on the issue.
For canine blood donation
The dog must be between one to nine years old
The dog must be over 20 kg
The dog must be in healthy condition, with all vaccinations and deworming procedures completed
Dogs with ticks and dogs that have littered are not eligible
for donation
The dog must be of friendly temperament, such that handling is easier for hospital staff