>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]