>Fuzzybutts <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: blood donor
>Could you explain in more details on this ferret blood donor?  How do you
>know which vet wants donors and should you contact vets in your area?  What
>type/size/age/health is needed for a ferret to donate blood?  [etc.]
 
Debbie
 
I have had three occasions where a ferret in my household has been called
upon to be a donor - flea anemia was the cause for the sick fert to be
in need.  My vet and some other ferret vets know that I am available to
provide a donor ferret - and the only criteria that we use for determining
a donor is: Young, healthy, big hobs.  The bigger the better.  Once a
ferret in my house passes the age of 4, I look for another, younger fert
 to take the place of a possible donor.  Ferrets do not have specific blood
types, so any healthy ferret will work.  I would not 'use' the same donor
ferret for about 8 weeks, if needed, to allow the blood taken to be
replaced.
 
The blood is usually given as needed - in my area, the need for ferret
blood isn't great, so storage/collection is wasteful.
 
I have never heard of anyone losing a ferret from donating blood, and I
believe it to be as safe as people giving blood.
 
Lisa Leidig, Head Ferret
The Ferret Haven "By-the-Sea"
http: www.ferrethaven.org
Want to help The Ferret Haven By-the-Sea? Register at iGive.com
by cutting and pasting this link:
http://www.iGive.com/html/ssi.cfm?CID=1236&MID=854
[Posted in FML issue 2991]