Canine Blood Bank
The Canine Blood Bank of Central Iowa serves veterinarians throughout Des Moines and surrounding areas with canine blood and blood components that are used to treat ill and injured dogs. The Canine Blood Bank works similar to the human blood bank. Blood is collected from donor dogs and stored until the need to use it arises. Today, many dogs are living happy and healthy lives due to blood donors just like yours!
FAQ's:
Why is there a canine blood bank?
Veterinarians throughout Des Moines and surrounding areas depend on the Canine Blood Bank of Central Iowa to provide universal blood all year long. The demand for canine blood has increased significantly in recent years as veterinary medical technology has advanced.
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Can my dog donate?
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What happens at the first visit?
Blood type will have to be established and usually takes about ten minutes after the initial blood draw. Universal donor for dogs is A-. If the dog is A- and you, the owner, agree to have your dog donate blood every 8 to 12 weeks, we will perform a comprehensive physical examination and further blood tests at no cost. A complete physical is performed, a blood sample is collected and current vaccination history, deworming and heartworm preventative is verified. The other biochemistry results performed to confirm normal kidney, liver and endocrine function, heartworm should be available in 3 to 5 days. A report is sent to your family veterinarian to update your dog's medical records.
What is involved in collecting blood from my dog?
Your dog will need to be fasted overnight. This means that your dog must not eat anything after midnight the night before donation. Water may be provided. You must be able to spend approximately 45 minutes at the clinic for donation. Your dog will be given a physical exam and a blood sample taken to ensure that your animal is not anemic. This result will take about 5-10 minutes.
Blood Collection procedures are done in a sterile manner. This involves clipping some hair from the neck and disinfecting the area with antiseptic. The dog will need to lie quietly while the needle is inserted and blood fills the blood pack. This may take about ten minutes. Approximately 450 ml's of blood is collected and your dog is observed for a few minutes to ensure that there is no bleeding from the venipuncture site.
Are there any adverse affects of blood donation for my dog?
Blood donation is a very safe procedure. Large dogs can readily donate up to 450 ml of blood every 8 to 12 weeks. Rest for a few days after donation is always recommended.
What is done with the blood once it is collected?
Whole blood is primarily utilized and refrigerated. Some blood collected from your dog is spun down to separate the plasma from the cells. The blood components are then stored in the freezer until required. These cells are used to treat a variety of blood disorders; hemophilia, accidental poisoning with rat/mouse bait and hemorrhaging from trauma.
What else can I expect?
- annual complete physical exam
- annual blood chemistry panel
- annual heartworm screening
- annual brucellosis test
- potential of testing for other diseases
- identifying dog tag
- Canine Critical Care Club bandana
- Canine Critical Care Club T-shirt
- If after two years in the program and dog is still active, donor dog and other household dogs will be put at the top of the list for transfusion in case the need arises.
Where does my dog donate?
Donators are received at Iowa Veterinary Specialties: 6110 Creston Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. The intersection is north of Park Avenue off 63rd Street and east (right) on Creston, or south of Valley Junction, first east (left) turn after the Raccoon River bridge. These donations are by appointment only. Please call the office at 515-280-3051 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Can you tell me about your doggy donor heroes?
Please check out the photos and biographies or our doggie heroes here on the website. How do I find out more? Please call 515-280-3051 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible about our volunteer canine blood donation program.
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Abby Abby1Abby is a beautiful six year-old Chocoloate Lab that was treated at the hospital after she was hit by a car in 2006. Through Abby's accident her owners learned of the blood program and as a result Abby and her brother Maddox have been donating to the program ever since. 1 |
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Alex “Alex” is owned by Megan Harrison and Karl Bolser and was born in 2001. Alex retired from the show ring as a multi-titled group placing champion in 2004. His job as a blood donor is his chance of giving something back. He is a one-of-a-kind dog. He always gives... read more |
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Ambassador Ambassador for his breed! Those who meet Bo fall in love with him and realize all "Pits" are not bad. He is CGC certified and does therapy work. Extremely smart & very willing to please.read more |
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Bonnie & Clyde Bonnie and Clyde are the wonderful greyhounds of Diane, our Lead Internal Medicine Technician. For several years the two were permanent residents and blood donors of IVS. After their blood donor days Bonnie and Clyde were adopted by Diane and are now living the good live as any greyhound... read more |
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Cleo Cleo was adopted into our home when she was 2 yrs old. She has had 1 large litter of puppies that all looked just like mama. She enjoys bones, nap time and walks. She is a horrible swimmer but loves baths. Cleo is very affectionate, love children and... read more |
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Kansas Kansas was often a winner in the top racing class (AA). Most of his races were in Eastern Iowa. He retired in Oct of 2006. Kansas came to live with us in Nov. of 2006. He is a sweetheart who loves to be petted and be at our... read more |
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Miss Bear "Miss Bear", owned by Sara and Mitch DeBrecht was born in 1997, She has been donationg since 2000. She was adopted from the ARL and likes being the "only child". Miss Bear loves to go for walks - she must lead. Birds and rabbits don't bother her but she... read more |
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Mysty Mysty is very energetic and goofy. She "talks" constantly with little whines and squeals and also howls at sirens. Mysty loves to be rubbed and cared for. She is very loving toward her older sister, a black lab named Kelly. Mysty's favorite toy is a brown plastic pig. She... read more |
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Poncho Poncho was adopted from Boxer Rescue. He loves to cuddle., chase the cats, watch Animal Planet and play with his favorite toy - a Kong filled with peanut butter. He is very glad that he is able to help other dogs that are injured.read more |
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Razi Razi earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen title in 2007. He is now working toward a Rally-O and lure coursing. His favorite things are food, treats, long naps in the sun and running with his doggie friends.read more |
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Tess Tess was adopted from Animal Lifeline is 2002. She is the funniest dog I have ever known. She has great sense of humor. She absolutely loves everybody she meets. I wanted her to be a blood donor so we could help save other dogs lives, because somebody has... read more |
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Winston "Winston", owned by Julie Cizek, was born in 2005. He is a boxer and has been donating since 2007. Winston was rescued from an uncertain future when his mom was dumped at the pound still pregnant. Winston was rescued from the Missouri Valley Boxer Rescue. He works today as... read more |
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