Mérida, Yucatán — The first veterinary blood bank in Mexico has opened here in an effort to save the lives of pets who require blood transfusions.
Mérida’s Banco de Sangre Veterinario de Yucatán is part of a 19-outpost global network, with four in Italy, four in the United States, two each in Portugal, Poland and Argentina, and one each in the Netherlands, Canada, Brazil and Colombia, said Jesus Magana Martinez, director of the institution.
He said that since opening March 30, 2014, the organization has provided 150 pet transfusions. Animal blood donors must weigh more than 25 kilograms, be in the 1-8 age range, have its shots, and be dewormed and free of parasites.
Blood donations have resulted in life-saving shipments all over Mexico.
Donating blood takes about 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia. Blood is taken from the jugular vein. It will not hinder your pet’s normal activities, but you may want to let her rest easy that day. In addition to saving another animal’s life, there is sometimes a monetary reward for donating your pet’s blood.
To learn more, call 999-926-2227
Source: Wire services
