A BLOOD bank for dogs in Bahrain could help save the lives of many pets and strays, say animal lovers.
Some veterinary clinics reportedly conduct blood transfusion for animals, but there is no official ‘blood bank’ for the canines and felines in the country.
Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre member Muna Al Daaysi said a last-minute scramble to find donors has often cost stray dogs their lives.
“A blood bank for dogs can definitely save more lives, especially the strays,” the 28-year-old Bahraini told the GDN.
“We have had several critical cases with stray dogs – mostly those with tick fever, common among strays – needing blood.
“Tick fever’s symptoms vary with dogs, based on their immunity, but in most of the cases there is intense bleeding which calls for blood transfusion.”
In such emergency cases, time is of the essence and a procedural delay in finding a compatible donor could cost lives.
“We had two instances where we found donors but unfortunately it was too late – hence a blood bank is recommended.”
Dr Nonie Coutts veterinary surgery clinic manager Dr Sarah Zimmer noted that depending on the number of transfusions done in Bahrain a national blood bank could be an option.
Transfusions
“Given the low number of transfusions we as a clinic perform compared with the UK as a whole, for example, the costs and requirements for a blood storage facility may not be financially viable (in Bahrain).”
The clinic performs six to 10 transfusions in a year, commonly on dogs with tick-borne diseases, transmitted through ticks or parasites that attach themselves to dogs, feeding on their blood and infecting their system.
“The owners of the recipient animals are always very keen to have them as they are life-saving measures for their precious pets,” said Dr Zimmer.
“We are very fortunate to have such a caring pet owner community here in Bahrain; our recent appeal for a blood donor was very successful.”
Lola, a toy poodle, underwent blood transfusion at the clinic last month and recovered.
Lola after the blood transfusion
Chloe, a Labrador, was the life saver.
“We have had many cases of successful blood transfusions in both dogs and cats and recently we had seen a cat over an appointment who had a blood transfusion almost three years ago,” said the surgeon.
“As a clinic we try to keep a list of possible donors on file for emergency situations.”
Dogs and cats have blood types, although cats, like humans have very strong naturally-occurring antibodies against the wrong blood types. Hence, blood typing is done before transfusion.
“Dogs very rarely have these types of antibodies,” explained Dr Zimmer.
“Therefore, most dogs can receive their first blood transfusion from any blood group without blood typing being necessary which is very useful in an emergency.”
Eman Veterinary Clinic medical director Dr Eman Jassim was involved in two blood transfusions during her tenure as a veterinarian in Bahrain.
“When pets are part of the family, owners are definitely willing to do a blood transfusion if it will help their pet,” pointed out the American woman.
“At the moment in Bahrain, blood transfusions are arranged on a case-by-case basis and when in need, a clinic will look for a suitable donor.”
raji@gdn.com.bh
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