Supported
by Vets Now, the UK’s leading emergency and critical care
veterinary providers, Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk), a not for profit
charity, is the first service of its kind to collect, process,
store and supply pet blood products.
Just like people, sick and injured animals frequently need blood
transfusions. In many cases, blood transfusions can save a pet's
life. Blood is used for many purposes, including cases involving
trauma, surgery and disease.
A change in legislation in October 2005 made it possible for vets
to store pet blood. Recognising this as an opportunity to develop
a blood bank, Vets Now raised the funds to set up and support
the PBBuk charity, which supplies dogs all over the UK with vital,
lifesaving blood.
Pet Blood Bank UK will give veterinary professionals immediate access
to blood products allowing lifesaving blood transfusions and will
give all dogs in the country access to life saving blood products,
via their veterinary practice.
The blood bank relies entirely on volunteer donors to provide blood
donations which can then save the lives of critically ill pets.
PBBuk ensures dog lovers will have access to a UK-wide blood service
via veterinary practices. Blood is collected at blood drives then
taken back to the charities state of the art unit in Loughborough
where it is processed into packed red blood cells and fresh plasma,
for veterinary professionals to use in providing life saving blood
transfusions. These vital blood products are then supplied to veterinary
practices across the UK.
There are a number of ways you can get involved in helping PBBuk;
whether your pet becomes a donor or you (and your pet) become a
supporter in other ways. For more information, visit www.petbloodbankuk.org/petowners/getinvolved.htm
Currently PBBuk is only able to collect and supply canine blood,
however the collection and supply of feline blood is one of their
future plans. |
