The Blood Bank

Similar to human hospitals, a veterinary emergency hospital has a constant need for blood products for the treatment of life-threatening blood loss or anemia in animals. The need for blood products is sporadic and unpredictable, and because dogs can only receive dog blood, and cats can only receive cat blood, being prepared for a blood loss emergency can be challenging. At BSVESS, we maintain a supply of canine and feline blood products. When necessary, we have access to a larger supply at our sister hospital, OSVS, where there is an active blood donation center for dogs. We also keep two very spoiled cats on premises as blood donors.

Some of the most common reasons a dog requires a red blood cell transfusion include:

  • Ruptured abdominal tumor
  • Trauma with blood loss
  • Blood loss due to cancer
  • Immune-mediated diseases
  • Bone marrow diseases

Pets can also require plasma for reasons including:

  • Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders) due to rat poison ingestion
  • Liver failure
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Hemophilias

Dog owners interested in participating in the blood donation process can do so through our sister hospital, Ocean State Veterinary Specialists. More information can be found in our blood bank brochure or by contacting Katti Teixeira at kteixeira@osvs.net.

The Blood Bank

Similar to human hospitals, a veterinary emergency hospital has a constant need for blood products for the treatment of life-threatening blood loss or anemia in animals. The need for blood products is sporadic and unpredictable, and because dogs can only receive dog blood, and cats can only receive cat blood, being prepared for a blood loss emergency can be challenging. At BSVESS, we maintain a supply of canine and feline blood products. When necessary, we have access to a larger supply at our sister hospital, OSVS, where there is an active blood donation center for dogs. We also keep two very spoiled cats on premises as blood donors.

Some of the most common reasons a dog requires a red blood cell transfusion include:

  • Ruptured abdominal tumor
  • Trauma with blood loss
  • Blood loss due to cancer
  • Immune-mediated diseases
  • Bone marrow diseases

Pets can also require plasma for reasons including:

  • Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders) due to rat poison ingestion
  • Liver failure
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Hemophilias

Dog owners interested in participating in the blood donation process can do so through our sister hospital, Ocean State Veterinary Specialists. More information can be found in our blood bank brochure or by contacting Katti Teixeira at kteixeira@osvs.net.