• What is the Canadian Animal Blood Bank?
• Do dogs have blood types?
• What about cats?
• Can cats donate blood?
• What happens when a cat needs a transfusion?
• Where is the blood going to?
• Are there other blood banks in Canada?
• What are the uses of blood products?
• How much blood is collected from a dog and how often?

What is the Canadian Animal Blood Bank?

The Canadian Animal Blood Bank (CABB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supplying quality blood products to Canadian veterinarians. At our head office located at Red River College (RRC) in Winnipeg, MB we collect, process, store and ship blood products. There is also a collection site in Edmonton, AB at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). The CABB was founded as a joint effort between the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) and RRC.

Do dogs have blood types?

Yes, they do, but not the same as us. There are 7 major blood groups in the dog, labeled as DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8. The DEA 1 system consists of types 1.1 and 1.2. DEA 1.1 is the most significant type and all of our donor dogs are tested to determine if they are positive or negative for DEA 1.1

What about cats?

Yes, cats have blood types too. They are different than dogs. Cats have a blood group system called the AB system consisting of 3 blood types which are: A, B and AB.

Can cats donate blood?

We do not collect blood from cats at the CABB. There are more complications involved when collecting from a cat. As you probably know, most cats will not sit still and would have to be sedated. We only use minimal physical restraint on our canine donors. The amount of blood volume needed to be taken from a cat and their small size in combination with using a sedative may increase the risk of an adverse reaction such as low blood pressure.

What happens when a cat needs a transfusion?

The need for transfusions in cats is not as common as in dogs. Transfusions for cats are dealt with on an as needed basis. A volunteered cat will be brought in to the vet clinic to provide an immediate transfusion to the recipient cat.

Where is the blood going to?

The blood collected at the CABB is available to veterinarians all across Canada.

Are there other blood banks in Canada?

Yes, there are other blood banks that supply blood to clinics in their immediate area, but the CABB, with collection locations in Winnipeg and Edmonton, is the main national supplier of canine blood products.

What are the uses of blood products?

The wide range of transfusion needs might include: combating illness or disease, treating an acute blood volume loss and preventative measures in routine surgeries for dogs with bleeding disorders.

How much blood is collected from a dog and how often?

A unit of blood collected from a dog is approximately 450 mls and they are eligible to donate every 3 months.