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The Blood Matters Blog ·

Dogs & Blood Transfusions: What I Learned and What You Need to Know

When our director of strategic engagement's beloved dog, Finley, couldn't stop bleeding, it was clear something was wrong. Soon, she would learn about von Willebrand Disease — and that platelet transfusions would be needed to save his life.

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Dog Finley and family after receiving multiple blood transfusions
Emilie Hechtner is OBI's director of strategic engagement. In 2017, her 10-month-old Goldendoodle was diagnosed with von Willebrand Disease, a rare blood clotting disorder. Seven years later, Emilie is here to share everything she has learned about dog blood transfusions and the need for dog donors.

In celebration of International Dog Day, Our Blood Institute is highlighting the significant impact dogs have had on modern blood transfusion processes. Thanks to our furry friends and a physician from the 17th century, we now have safe, reliable blood transfusion practices for both humans and animals. It’s a little-known fact that dogs played a vital role in the development of blood transfusion, so let’s dive into some reasons for dog blood transfusions and the pawprint they've placed on today's modern blood transfusion practices.

Our Dog and von Willebrand Disease

Back in 2017, I took my dog, Finley, for a simple neuter. Upon picking him up, I was alarmed to find his incision still bleeding. After checking him in for emergency care and observation at Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital, Finley received platelets to help his incision clot and went through a variety of tests.

One of those tests was sent to Cornell University’s Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, and led us to the cause of the bleeding: von Willebrand Disease. Von Willebrand Disease, also known as vWD — or if you're a part of our household, "von Whiskerbrand Disease" — is a blood clotting disorder that, while rare, is the most commonly inherited bleeding disorder among canines. The disease disrupts the factors of the blood clotting process, making it difficult for blood to clot and injuries to heal.

Our Blood Institute's Emilie Hechtner with dog, Finley, after von Willebrand Disease diagnosis

Due to the interruption of the clotting process, it took Finley several weeks to recover from his neuter, which included diapers (he prefers not to talk about this), lots of ice and round-the-clock snuggles. Thankfully, Finley’s von Willebrand Disease is lower on the severity scale, resulting in fewer complications and a normal lifestyle. Prior to any operation, large or small, Finley has labs done to check his platelet count and receives a cautionary plasma transfusion. It can also take his body longer to heal from simple cuts, scrapes and the like, but overall, Finley is one of many dogs with von Willebrand Disease who lives a normal lifestyle and lifespan.

Schedule Your (Human!) Platelet Donation Today

Blood transfusions were never on our radar when we got Finley, so we found a local vet who was familiar with the disease. They assured us that the vet staff’s dogs tend to be blood donor dogs for patients like Finley and are very informed about the risks and treatments associated with von Willebrand Disease.

History of Blood Transfusions in Dogs

As my family learned firsthand, blood transfusions are a vital tool in veterinary medicine, healing canines suffering from a range of conditions. You may be surprised to learn, though, that they're also an extremely old one.

The concept of blood transfusion has ancient origins, but significant progress began in the 17th century with English physician Richard Lower. In the 1660s, Lower's groundbreaking experiments with blood transfusions in animals demonstrated that blood could be successfully transferred from one animal to another. Lower’s experiments were pioneering for his time, providing early insights into the principles of blood transfusion and the stage for advancements in the field.

Reasons for Dog Blood Transfusions

Blood transfusions in dogs are used to treat many conditions in dogs, such as:

  • Trauma and surgery

    Accidents and surgeries can result in significant blood loss. Transfusions help replace lost blood and stabilize a dog’s condition, aiding recovery.

  • Anemia

    Dogs with anemia, whether due to chronic diseases, infections, or other causes, may require transfusions to boost their red blood cell count and improve oxygen delivery throughout the body.

  • Bleeding disorders

    For dogs with bleeding disorders like von Willebrand Disease, transfusions can provide essential clotting factors to prevent excessive bleeding and assist the clotting process.

  • Cancer treatments

    Dogs undergoing cancer treatment might need transfusions to manage side effects or complications of their condition.

Blood Transfusion Process in Dogs

  • Blood typing

    To prevent adverse reactions, blood typing is essential to match the donor’s blood with the recipient’s blood type.

  • Locating donors

    Veterinary clinics often have access to blood banks or donor programs and often use their own dogs as donors when healthy. In some cases, dogs may be eligible to donate blood if they meet specific criteria.

  • Transfusion

    The procedure involves administering the donor blood through an intravenous line, with careful monitoring for any potential reactions.

  • After care

    Following the transfusion, the patient is monitored to ensure the transfusion has had the intended effect.

Risks of Dog Blood Transfusions

While generally safe, blood transfusions can carry risks such as allergic reactions, fever or elevated heart rate. Veterinary teams take precautions to minimize these risks and ensure the procedure is as safe as possible.

How much does a blood transfusion cost for a dog?

According to wag.com, a unit of canine blood can cost anywhere from $100-$300 and up to $1,000 for the entire treatment and hospital stay. Consult your veterinarian for more information on what a transfusion might cost for your dog.

Can My Dog Be a Blood Donor?

If your dog meets certain requirements, they can be eligible to donate blood. Most animal blood banks require dogs to be at least 50 lbs, between 1-7 years old and in healthy condition. Visit neel.vet for information on dog blood donation in Oklahoma City or ask your local veterinarian for dog blood donor locations near you.

If you have a healthy dog, consider reaching out to your veterinarian to see if your dog can donate blood. They might just save a life and aid traumatic healing for dogs like Finley.

Do Animals Have Different Blood Types?

We talk a lot about our own blood types, but what about blood types for animals like dogs and cats, horses and cows?

Let's Find Out!