November 20, 2009
Boise, Idaho
Idaho veterinarian program lets dogs donate blood
By Associated Press
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — An eastern Idaho veterinarian has set up a program where dogs can become blood donors for injured or ill canines.
"We're ready to move to the next level of veterinary medicine," Adam Petersen, a veterinarian with the Ammon Vet Clinic, told the Post Register. "We're not using the same surgical techniques we used 10 and 20 years ago, so why would this be any different? This is the highest level of transfusion medicine available." Petersen has tested and approved seven dogs from Idaho Falls for the Hemolife program and will test any dog for free that meets age, size and health requirements. Hemolife in return will pay up to $300 per year in veterinary costs for dogs accepted into the program. Petersen said a blood donation by a dog named Hurley in October helped save the life of a 100-pound Rottweiler named Maddie who was bleeding internally. Sarah Jacobsen, a veterinarian at the Animal Health Clinic, said Maddie was anemic and needed a transfusion. Petersen said it would have taken 24 hours to get blood from a lab in California, and Maddie wouldn't have lasted that long. He had already screened Hurley and within three hours was able to get a blood transfusion for Maddie. Both dogs are doing fine. "If he hadn't had a universal donor lined up, I'm not sure we could have saved her," Jacobsen said. Kelly Andrus, Hurley's owner, said Hurley was comfortable during the procedure. "You take it for granted and think that when you go to the clinic they will have blood, but you never think about what happens if a dog needs it," Andrus said. Korbyn Andrus, 8, said she's proud of Hurley. "Hurley is a great dog, because he was able to give his blood to save another dog," Korbyn said. ___ Information from: Post Register |
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