New Blood: A vital resource for life-saving blood transfusions in our beloved pets

Monday, December 1, 2025

Media Contact: Kinsey Reed | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-6740 | cvmcommunications@okstate.edu

Veterinary transfusion medicine is vital.

Despite several advancements in recent years, the supply of blood products is still limited. Unfortunately, many patients still don’t receive the lifesaving transfusion needed due to the supply shortage. 

The Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is looking to change that as it established a lifesaving blood bank in the fall of 2024. 

The reasons for blood transfusions in small animals vary. However, it’s usually because of infectious diseases, trauma, immune-mediated diseases, during and after surgical procedures, and rodenticide toxicities are the most common causes. 

Since opening, OSU has obtained 25 blood donors — 22 dogs and three cats — who are on routine at the hospital to give life-saving donations.   

Dogs and cats have different blood types. To perform a blood transfusion without reactions or complications, it is necessary to know the donor and recipient’s blood type. 

When a new donor arrives, they go through a series of tests to ensure they are fit for donation. During those tests, OSU veterinarians record the blood type for future infusions and ensure the quality of the blood products is at an all-time high. 

To verify the safety of the donor and the transfusion recipient, donors have to meet certain standards. Passing their physical exam and meeting the weight requirement is crucial. 

If donating, dogs should weigh more than 55 pounds, and cats must weigh more than 9 pounds. Donations are taken every three months. 

“The donor’s safety is of the utmost importance,” said Dr. Andreza Conti Patara, small animal emergency and critical care assistant professor. 

During donation appointments, the donor is constantly monitored by emergency and critical care veterinarians, fourth-year students and technicians. 

Donors will receive a variety of incentives throughout the year in recognition of their commitment to helping save the lives of their fellow dogs and cats. The role of each donor’s owner is vital to the program’s success. Their commitment, responsibility and reliability are greatly valued and essential to the blood donation process.

Thanks to these heroes, the OSU VMTH blood bank has saved 25 lives in the last three months. 

If you are interested in joining the mission to save lives, please reach out to the VMTH at 405-744-7000.  

Requirements:

• Free annual checkup and wellness exams: Vaccines, tick and flea preventatives and dewormers, bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal plus PCR tick borne disease. 
• Blood donors (dogs and cats) should be between 1 and 7 years old, with a calm and agreeable temperament. 
• Canine donors must weigh over 25 kilograms or 55 pounds, while feline donors should weigh more than 5 kilograms or 9 pounds. 
• Blood donors must be in good health, as determined by a thorough physical exam, blood work and infectious disease screenings. 
• Pets must have never received a transfusion or anti-venom treatment. 
• Pets must receive annual vaccinations and be regularly treated for ticks and fleas. 
• Cats should be indoor cats. 

Other information: 

• Every donation, the blood donor will receive a bag of the donor’s favorite food. 
• Donations could be as frequent as every 60-90 days. 
• Upon arrival, the donor receives a physical exam and blood draw. 
• Donations take 15-20 minutes, but donors will be monitored for 1-2 hours after donation and offered a meal. 

---

Photo By: Provided
Story By: Kinsey Reed | Vet Cetera Magazine