The charity Pet Blood Bank UK has announced the launch of a new blood product for dogs – the canine platelet concentrate.
Canine platelet concentrate is now available to vets, offering a more convenient and efficient treatment for life-threatening bleeding in canine patients.
Launched at London Vet Show, the canine platelet concentrate is the latest blood product to be offered by Pet Blood Bank UK, the UK’s only blood bank charity for vets.
Platelets are a cellular fraction which is separated from fresh whole blood by a process of centrifugation.
Before now, giving a patient platelets required transfusing whole blood. The canine platelet concentrate provides only the required component and so offers more effective treatment and reduces the risk of volume overload.
The platelet concentrate provides lifesaving haemostasis, allowing time for further investigations to be undertaken or for specific treatments and interventions to be given or have time to take effect.
The product is indicated in the management of uncontrolled or life-threatening bleeding due to severe thrombocytopenia or thrombopathia.
The canine platelet concentrate is produced from blood donations given by Pet Blood Bank’s community of donor dogs. The welfare of these donors is always the priority and all dogs undergo a full health check prior to donation to ensure all blood products are of the highest possible quality.
Platelets have a short shelf life of three days from the date of collection; therefore, will be sent out to veterinary customers using a same day courier service and should be transfused upon arrival.
The dose is one unit per 10kg of body weight.
Sophie Adamantos, veterinary advisor for Pet Blood Bank UK and clinical director at Paragon Veterinary Referrals, said, “Managing dogs with severe life-threatening bleeding as a result of extremely low platelet count has always been a challenge if we don’t have access to fresh whole blood.
“Having Canine Platelet Concentrates available will allow us to address the cause of bleeding in these patients, with the hope of stopping the haemorrhage and reducing our reliance on red blood cell products while we investigate and treat the patients.”
Canine Platelet Concentrate is available now from Pet Blood Bank. To order, please call 01509 232 222 or visit the Pet Blood Bank UK website to learn more.
