Plasma is used in veterinary care every day

Plasma plays a crucial role in veterinary medicine, serving as a vital component in treating various conditions across different animal species. Just as in human medicine, animal plasma is used to treat trauma, autoimmune diseases, surgical complications, and cancer-related conditions, making it an indispensable resource in veterinary care.

In the world of exotic animals, zoos have pioneered remarkable plasma donation programs, with giraffes emerging as notable donors. This all began in 2017 with a giraffe named Lance who was successfully trained to voluntarily give plasma at the Columbus Zoo. This accomplishment started a groundbreaking collaboration between Columbus Zoo and Cheyenne Zoo, establishing the first giraffe blood and plasma bank in the world. The initiative was aimed at reducing calf mortality rates.

Giraffes are the tallest animals on earth and already stand six feet tall when they are born. Their long fragile legs are one of the reasons calf survival is challenging. Many have trouble nursing and the colostrum in their mother's milk is essential to support their immune system. Donated plasma is an alternative for receiving these life-saving elements. While approximately 50% of giraffe calves die in the wild, human intervention and access to plasma have helped reduce this rate to 20% in captivity. One extraordinary example is Isabelle from Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina, who passed away last year at age 14, leaving behind a legacy of helping at least 14 baby giraffes through her plasma donations.

The plasma collection process for giraffes emphasizes voluntary participation and positive reinforcement. During collection sessions, giraffes receive attention and treats, and they maintain the freedom to withdraw from the procedure at any time by simply walking away. A specialized blood draw setup is set up so the needle inserted into the giraffes jugular vein falls out painlessly if the giraffe walks away. This ethical approach ensures the well-being and comfort of these generous donors.

Closer to home, domestic pets can also become lifesaving plasma donors. Dogs and cats must meet specific requirements to qualify as donors. For dogs, the criteria include being between one and seven years old, maintaining a healthy weight of over 50 pounds, and having a gentle temperament. They must not be on medication, need to be current on their vaccinations including rabies and DHLPP (a combination vaccine against five diseases: canine distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza), and have to test negative for heartworm. Additionally, they cannot have received previous transfusions and must wait four weeks between donations. Cats have a few additional unique requirements, including a minimum weight of 9.5 pounds and strictly indoor living. They must be spayed or neutered and maintain current vaccinations for rabies and FVRCP (a combination vaccine against three diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.)

The donation process itself is remarkably straightforward. Dogs typically remain unsedated during the procedure, which involves collecting approximately two cups of blood through a small needle inserted into the jugular vein. The plasma is then separated out using a centrifuge and stored in a freezer for future use. The entire process takes less than ten minutes, with the actual collection lasting only two to three minutes. Dogs naturally replenish their blood cells within two to three weeks, requiring no special post-donation care.

Animal blood products remain in constant demand, with supplies often running short. A beloved pet may need immediate plasma infusions, not only to support underdeveloped immune systems like the baby giraffes, but in any case of severe injury or significant blood loss. In these emergencies, plasma donations can mean the difference between life and death for beloved pets. The generosity of animal donors and their caring owners helps ensure that veterinarians can continue providing lifesaving treatments to animals in need.