Seeing Is Believing: How Blood Plasma Therapy Is Preventing Blindness in Dogs

28 May

Blood donation and use of blood products is well known in both human and veterinary medicine.

Blood transfusion is commonly used to save critically ill pets, with a lesser-known benefit of helping to preserve our pets’ vision as well.

When a dog or cat donates blood, the blood product can be split and used with multiple patients. Serum can be separated from whole blood to treat infections and disorders in the eye, most commonly a condition known as a corneal ulcer.

An ulcer is a wound on the surface of the eye (cornea) that is often painful and can occur for various reasons. Some ulcers are shallow, whereas others may be deep and can result in a burst eye (ocular rupture).

Common causes in cats and dogs include injuries such as cat scratches or a foreign body (such as a stick or grass seed).Other ocular conditions such as dry eye, infection and entropion (In-turning of the eyelid) can result in eye ulcers.

Some breeds, such as brachycephalic (pugs, bulldogs and shih tzus), can be more prone to eye ulcers due to anatomical differences in the eye shape and size.

So, how do they work?

Serum eye drops can be an essential part of the treatment of eye ulcers, alongside antimicrobial and lubricating eye drops.

Serum contains “anti-collagenases”, which naturally block harmful enzymes and help to halt the process of an eye ulcer. Serum also provides growth factors, which encourage healthy tissue repair; without serum eye drops, ulcers can quickly become deeper and require surgery to prevent eye rupture.

Can my pet give blood?

As serum is made from blood, it is often compatible with lots of pets and usually has fewer side effects compared to synthetic medications.

In some cases, a blood sample is taken, spun down into serum in a centrifuge and then placed back into the animal’s own eye. In other cases, the pet may not be well enough for a blood sample, or a large quantity of serum is needed; this is where blood donation is vital.

For your dog or cat to be a blood donor, they must meet certain criteria and be fit and well in themselves.

Pet Blood Bank UK (PBB) was established in 2007 to provide a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners across the UK. It is also working on establishing a feline blood bank service.

The charity exists to help save the lives of pets in need. If you are interested in your pet becoming a blood donor, speak to your local vet or find out more information on the PBB website.

Blood donation can be an incredible way to contribute towards the health and well-being of other animals in need, from saving those that are critically ill to restoring life-changing vision.

Serum is a natural and effective option to treat eye ulcers, and is a highly valuable treatment option for a variety of different cases.