Blood bank may improve New Jersey pet health care

Tuesday, 28 September 2010 17:48

A pet health care facility has opened a pioneering new service - a blood bank for furry friends.

The Newton Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey offers the only such unit in the region in a bid to improve the chances of emergency patients.

Dr Costlow, the president of the surgery, explained to WABC-TV New York that he thought the blood bank was entirely necessary after experiencing several worrying delays when it came to getting the fluid delivered from establishments elsewhere in the continental US.

"We were at the mercy of them," he added, noting that now animals in the area do not have to wait those long hours for potentially life-saving blood.

Creatures that provide the donations are assessed for their temperament and health, as the gentler they are, the easier it is to get the fluid, the vet pointed out.

What's more, donor animals receive perks such as complimentary blood screening, a free unit of blood if they were ever to need it themselves and free food per contribution.