Have you heard about blood transfusion in dogs? We are so used to seeing human blood donation campaigns that we sometimes forget that dogs may also need this vital resource. Although veterinary blood banks are not as common as those for people, they do exist - especially in large urban centers - and help save many lives.

Blood transfusion in dogs may be necessary for a number of reasons. In addition to fatalities that can lead to bleeding, such as deep cuts and being hit by a car, some diseases (such as severe anemia) have animal blood donation as one of the main forms of treatment.

To talk about this very important subject, we talked to veterinarian Marcela Machado, from the Animal Public Health Service of Rio das Ostras (RJ). At the end of the article, get to know the incredible story of João Espiga, a brave Boxer who became a frequent blood donor after a sad event in his life.

Blood transfusion: which situations might a dog need blood bags?

In addition to traumas, there are cases in which blood transfusion in dogs with anemia - among other medical conditions - is indispensable to restore the animal's health. "Basically, blood transfusion in dogs is necessary when the animal has severe anemia or as support for some surgery where there is a large loss of blood. Anemia in dogs can occur for several reasons.Among the disorders that cause anemia in dogs are tick-borne disease, kidney failure and severe worms," explains veterinarian Marcela Machado.

Are there other particularities surrounding anemia and blood transfusion in dogs?

In some cases, the dog's diet can lead to a dog needing a blood donation. "The nutritional issue can also bring anemia and cause the dog to need a blood transfusion. If the animal does not have a balanced diet, it can develop the so-called iron deficiency anemia, caused by iron deficiency in the blood, which affects the production of red blood cells ", warns the dog.veterinary.

"There are also some autoimmune diseases, such as hemolytic anemia, which attacks the animal's own red blood cells. In the case of more severe anemia, when there is no time for the body to produce more red blood cells in time to recover physiologically, transfusion is essential to save the dog's life ", adds Marcela.

Are there risks of blood transfusion in dogs?

Before the transfusion, various tests and analyses are carried out on the blood. Even so, some clinical manifestations may occur, after or during the procedure. The dog may present, for example, tachycardia. fever, dyspnea, hypotension, tremors, salivation, convulsion and weakness.

Are there blood types and compatibility between dogs as in human blood transfusion?

Just as our blood has different types, so does that of dogs, as the veterinarian explains: "there are several blood types, but they are more complex. There are seven main varieties and subvarieties that make up the DEA system (acronym in English for "Dog Erythrocyte Antigen", or "Canine Erythrocyte Antigen", in Portuguese). They are: DEA 1 (divided into subtypes DEA 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3), DEA 3, DEA 4,AED 5 and AED 7".

For the first transfusion, a sick or injured dog can receive the blood of any other healthy dog. However, from the next ones onwards, some reactions may arise and the pet will only be able to receive a blood compatible with yours.

How is the blood donation procedure carried out?

In order for a dog to receive a blood transfusion, other dogs and their caring guardians must be willing to donate. As with humans, the procedure is simple, quick and painless. "The transfusion is done in much the same way as human medicine. A healthy donor dog has its blood collected and stored in a blood bag which is thenThe procedure, both collection and transfusion, should always be performed by an animal health professional," says the veterinarian.

How can a dog become a blood donor? What are the criteria?

• Be between one and eight years old;
• Weigh more than 25 kilos;
• Be protected against ectoparasites;
• Be healthy, with a proven health status;
• Be up to date with puppy vaccinations and deworming;
• Not being pregnant or in heat for females;
• Respect the interval between donations of three months;
• No previous transfusions or surgeries within 30 days prior to donation;
• Have a docile temperament so that the procedure can be done calmly by the veterinarian and does not cause stress to the animal.

Are pet blood banks available to take a puppy to be a donor?

Animal blood banks, specifically those for dogs, do exist, but they are very scarce compared to human blood banks. However, transfusions can be performed in veterinary hospitals and clinics equipped to perform the procedure.

Blood donation: dog João Espiga is a frequent donor

João Espiga, a very spirited six-year-old Boxer, has journalist Paulo Nader as his guardian. Faced with the difficulty of getting blood when one of his female dogs fell ill, Paulo made his puppy a frequent blood donor. But who will tell us this story in first person, or rather in "first dog", is João Espiga himself - with the help of his human father totype, of course!

"I AM A HERO BECAUSE I GIVE MY BLOOD FOR THE AUMIGOS"

My name is João Espiga. I think my guardian chose this name because he loved his first Boxer dog, the late Sabugo, who lived 13 years, one month and one day. I was born in Fazenda Bela Vista, a little place in Nova Friburgo (RJ), where I still live today. I love this place.

I'm six years old and I play all day long. Of course, I sleep indoors and preferably in my owner's bed. I don't give up getting three meals a day and some snacks, so I'm strong just like my dad! I'm the grandson of Baron and Maria Sol and the son of John Acorn and Maria Popcorn, and I also have a brother called Don Conan.

But I think what you want to know is why they call me "hero." It's a long story, which I'll try to summarize in a few words: it all started one New Year's Eve when we found out that my mother, Maria Pipoca, had a serious kidney disease.

It was a nine-month fight to try to save her. She went to the best veterinarians in Friburgo and Rio de Janeiro and had the assistance of the best specialists. She fought, we all fought, but there was no way. She left very young, only four and a half years old.

It was in this dramatic struggle that we discovered the importance of donating blood, just as good-hearted humans do. You can't imagine how many times my very frail mother needed blood. Many times. During emergencies, we bought several bags of blood (always very expensive) and so my father, brother and I ended up becoming donors. Every healthy dog can be (consult with yourThere I discovered how important it is to help others - and it has become a habit ever since; I make a point of donating blood twice a year for my "friends".

It doesn't hurt at all and I still get a car ride to the vet. I'm always rewarded with a treat and get compliments on my courage. I'm just like my dad, a good dog. On social media our donations are very successful. It's important to say that I don't charge anything and I do it for pleasure.

As well as learning a lot from my mother's drama, I made a point of doing some research on the internet about the importance of donation: blood saves lives! And we have already saved several lives of "aumigos"! Without false modesty, I love my fame as a hero dog!

How to make your dog a blood donor

In order for a dog to donate blood, it must meet all the criteria for donation, such as age, weight and good health. Find out if your city has a veterinary blood center or other specialized location to collect and store blood bags. If not, talk to an animal health professional about their availability to register your pet as a donor atpotential.

In addition to helping save the lives of three or four dogs, the animal that donates blood receives a free period check-up, including complete blood count, kidney function test, canine leishmaniasis, heartworm disease, Lyme, canine ehrlichia (tick-borne disease) and brucellosis tests.