I had no idea about the shortage. Thanks for that, Michelle, and for the
suggestions. Kerry
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2005 1:50 PM
Subject: Re: question re clinics' ability
to meet emergency needs
Kerry,
Apparently there is a shortage of cat blood across the
country. I found this out when Simon needed 3 transfusions. Most large clinics
and emergency clinics that are good do keep a small amount on hand for
emergencies, but if they get a few who need transfusions in a short period of
time they run out. I don't think that most small clinics keep it
onhand. There are blood banks, and vet school hospitals tend to have it
more than others. I think you should ask your emergency hospital where
it gets its blood from normally-- from donor cats that go in there, or from a
blood bank? If from a blood bank, contact the bank directly and find out 1)
how much of a supply they keep; 2) how long it would take to get the blood to
your emergency vet in an emergency; and 3) if they know which clinics in your
area or state tend to keep more blood on hand. You could also call
around to other emergency vet places and see which ones keep blood onhand. A
while ago, someone posted some blood banks to this list as well, but if they
are not in your immediate area and the blood needs to be shipped, then
that is not very helpful in an emergency.
Michelle
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