Gurugram’s first canine blood donor portal launched

GURUGRAM: Following an increased demand for canine blood in the city, the CGS Hospital in DLF-3 — named after three late pets, Cuddles, Goldy and Spotty — on Tuesday launched a blood donation registry portal.
Much like humans, animals also suffer from life-threatening diseases and sustain wounds in accidents where they need immediate blood transfusion. And since there is no animal blood bank in Gurugram at present, the portal aims to provide some relief to the pet parents.
“Most commonly, dogs get affected by tick fever during the monsoon, as a result of which the canines need immediate blood transfusion,” said Dr Salish Whitney Correia, a vet at CGS hospital. “Pets will be registered on the portal so that whenever there’s a requirement, blood can be arranged. We are setting up an online directory for the city’s animal lovers andvets as well.”
Pet parents are a happy lot. “Creating an online registry of donors that pet parents or vets can pursue in times of need will be a big help,” said Vipul Khurana, who owns Zeus, an eight-year-old Labrador.
“Since Gurugram lacks a proper animal blood bank, providing such a facility is a boon as there are chances that a pet may not have that much time to make it to a bigger hospital in case of a serious accident. A network of donors is required in the city,” said Rajiv Anand, who owns three cats.
Since dogs have over 12 blood groups, vets generally recommend a blood-typing test. “As we currently do not have a blood bank in Delhi-NCR for canines, this blood donation registry is an opportunity to ensure that no animal is being denied compatible blood,” said Correia.
For animals, the process is complicated when it comes to blood transfusion. “The blood is drawn from the jugular (large) vein in the dog's neck and then the group is identified using a high-tech machine that most disgnostic centres now have,” said Sunil Kaushik of Indie Love animal shelter in Gurugram’s 63A.
“Though some dogs are universal donors, it is always better for pet parents to have complete knowledge of their pets’ blood type in case there is a need or they want to donate for the same blood type,” said PK Arora, a vet.
The vets also pointed out that any dog that weighs 25 kg or more can donate blood. The donor animal should not be on any medication.