I just got back from taking my cat Spot and my dog Bianca to donate blood. They've been in the blood donor program for about 8 months now, they go in to donate every two months. The last few times, they had trouble finding a vein on Spot. Last time they had to poke him several times and they only got about half the amount they normally take because it clotted halfway through. This time they tried several times, shaved both sides of his neck and two different techs tried it but they couldn't get the needle in! They can find the vein but when they try to put in the needle, the vein rolls away or it just slips past it. He was such a good boy, he stayed very still and relaxed while they tried but finally they had to give up... They said I should just bring my dog from now on since Spot's veins don't cooperate. I might wait a few months and try again just to see if they improve any. It's really too bad because his personality is perfect for it. I asked if there is anything that could improve his veins but they said there isn't.
My other cat Blaze was tested and approved to join the program, but after he was checked he lost a few ounces which puts him just under the weight limit so he hasn't been able to donate yet! He's young and very active (and quite lean) so he might be able to donate later if his weight gets back into the range.
My other cat Blaze was tested and approved to join the program, but after he was checked he lost a few ounces which puts him just under the weight limit so he hasn't been able to donate yet! He's young and very active (and quite lean) so he might be able to donate later if his weight gets back into the range.
