Corporate Sponsors

All dog and cat blood donors are fed courtesy of The Iams Company.

All dog and cat blood donors receive Frontline and Heartgard courtesy of Merial.

All dog and cat blood donors receive Advantix and Advantage courtesy of Bayer Animal Health.

VPL provides D.A.P. and Feliway for the wellbeing of our blood donors.

Donors receive 4DX and FIV/FeLV snap tests courtesy of Idexx Laboratories.

All our cat blood donors are tested with Solo Step FH provided by Heska.

Packed Red Blood Cells

Used in patients with acute or chronic hemorrhage, hemolysis, renal disease, and bone marrow disorders.

Protocol for use of packed red Blood cells

• Packed red cells are preserved in an additive solution that does not require further dilution. However, if using fluids along with blood products, use normal saline.
• Avoid calcium-containing fluids such as Lactated Ringers or hypotonic fluids such as 5% dextrose in water.
• Use a standard blood administration set (provided in ICU).
• Give 5ml/kg/hr for the first 15 min. then increase the rate.
• Dogs in cardiac, liver or renal failure should be given a dose of ∼1 ml/kg/hr.
• The transfusion must be completed within 4 hours to prevent the chance of bacterial growth.
• Transfusion of 15 ml/kg will raise the recipient's PCV by 10% points.