Alice Springs pets donate blood to help save lives

ALICE Springs pets are taking part in a blood donor program at the local vet to assist with critical surgeries and, in turn, save lives.

Veterinarian Chris Ismail oversees a blood donation procedure with six-year-old Labrador-cross, Frenzal. PICTURE: Barry Skipsey.

LASSIE isn’t the only dog known for saving lives.

When someone’s beloved pet has to go through life-threatening surgery, Alice Springs Veterinary Hospital has a list of about 12 blood donor pets that get called on to help out.

Hospital director Deb Osborne said it could be quite difficult to get the required fresh blood delivered in an emergency.

“It needs to be available, so we have a list of donors that we can contact immediately.”

She said the animals had no more repercussions from giving blood than humans.

“We never exceed the amount of blood that is safe to take out.”

The animals are only allowed to give blood once every three months.

The donations are used when blood transfusions are needed, such as after a snake bite or ingesting a mouse bait.

Donor owner Chris Ismail said his dog Pig always got a reward after she gave blood.

“When she donates it is like nothing has happened at all.

“She always gets a nice piece of iron-rich meat afterwards – and she’s pretty spoiled anyway.”