Lack of storage haunts dog blood supply in city

Stating that there are many instances wherein vets misguide owners, activist Arun Prasanna said, “Most of the donations are those from stray dogs. Pedigree dog owners do not take much of an initiative. However, some doctors tend to turn down stray dog owners saying that they only accept donations from pedigree dogs.”

Donations have been far higher in the recent past, especially this year, owing to increased awareness. “If we had to ask a dog owner about blood donation and the need to spay their dogs around four years ago, most owners would have no idea of the same. However,today, social media has provided a platform for them to find out more about such donations. A lot of people are coming forward to donate,” he added.

Stressing on the lack of storage facilities in the blood bank at the hospital, he said, “Even though they have a blood bank where donation camps are also held, the hospital lacks adequate storage facilities. Every time they are inquired about availability of blood, the officials say the hospital is out of stock. In many cases, it is seen that dogs require blood due to rise in the number of illnesses and diagnosis in the recent past.”

Speaking to DT Next, Dr Cecilia Joseph, former Head of the Clinics Department at the University, said, “At times, the demand is more. The University would hold donation camps – a concept that was introduced not too long ago – but it was only enough to meet the needs of the dogs in the hospital. There have been instances of other centres requesting us for blood. However,blood bags cannot be given to anyone and everyone and we are very strict about the regulations. At least twopackets are always stored in the bank.”