County Canine Blood Bank : ‘Bloodhounds’ Sought to Curb Deficit With Donations

Heeere doggie, doggie, doggie. Come on, boy! Come here, girl!

The folks at the San Diego County Canine Blood Bank sincerely hope that lots of local pooches heed their call because a serious shortage of dog blood has hit the county. In an effort to boost the sagging supply, the blood bank is conducting donor screening clinics and requesting the help of San Diego dog owners.

“We need as many donors as possible,” said Suzanne Hirko of the Emergency Animal Clinic, which houses the blood bank. “We are simply running out of our regular blood donors.”

There are now 50 to 60 regular doggie donors. In existence for two years now, the blood bank sells fresh, whole blood to San Diego veterinarians for treatment in a variety of canine accidents and illnesses, Hirko said.

But, since summer began, more county hounds are out and about and many fall prey to traffic accidents or to hot-weather-related illnesses such as flea anemia. The regular donations have not been enough, Hirko said.

“We only draw two units of blood from our donors every three to four months,” Hirko said. “We sell it rather quickly to local veterinarians, especially during this time of year when trauma cases are far more common.”

Potential bloodhounds must be 2 to 8 years old, weigh 50 pounds or more, and have a good disposition. Clinic veterinarians will administer a complete physical examination and blood typing before determining a dog’s eligibility. Only dogs with A-negative blood, the universal blood type, will be accepted, Hirko said.

“After a dog passes the screening tests, we set up a convenient appointment with the owner to bring the dog in,” Hirko said. “It takes between 10 and 20 minutes to draw blood . . . we draw from the jugular vein so it doesn’t hurt them at all. The owners are the ones who get a little squeamish.”

Both man and his best friend are rewarded for their deed. The owner receives a free T-shirt that reads, “My Dog Might Be Your Dog’s Best Friend.” Rover gets a doggie bone, a reflective collar tag and free blood if needed while he is a participant in the program.

The screenings will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. July 28 and Aug. 23 at the Emergency Animal Clinic of San Diego, 2317 Hotel Circle South. To participate, call the clinic at 299-2400.