Superstar lived up to his name on Feb. 5 at UC Davis’ canine blood bank—becoming the first donor to hit the 20-pint mark since the blood opened in February 2008.

Julie Burges, supervisor of transfusion medicine in the Canine Community Blood Donor Program, said Superstar’s blood went upstairs almost immediately at UC Davis’ Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, for transfusion into a golden retriever battling lymphoma.

Officials estimate Superstar has saved some three-dozen dog lives with his donations.

Regina Patton has been taking Superstar to the blood bank almost every month since it opened. “It helps out other dogs, he enjoys it—and I get to spend more time with him,” said Patton, communications specialist for UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions.

Superstar is a 4-year-old Rottweiler-Lab-boxer mix who was 7 weeks old when he went to live with Patton in Davis.

Superstar gets plenty of treats at the blood bank, “but that isn’t the only reason he likes it,” Patton said. “He’s very social.” Indeed, when he showed up to give his 20th pint, he greeted Burges and animal health technician Dyne Hansing like old friends.

After collecting Superstar’s blood, Burges presented a certificate of appreciation to Superstar and Patton. “Thanks for saving lives,” the certificate reads.

The blood bank collects, processes and stores canine blood for transfusions to treat a variety of conditions. Applications range from surgical complications to kidney failure. In 2009, the hospital transfused 205 animals.

The program welcomes new donors. The first step is a half-hour visit for a health examination and blood typing. The checkup is free and includes veterinary services valued at $300.

Eligible animals come back to make their donations as often as once a month. The procedure is minimally invasive and lasts about a half hour.

Afterward, each donor receives a bag of treats. In addition, each donor has access to free blood products for life, should the dog need them.

How to get involved

Appointments are available during the week and on one Saturday each month. Donors must be 1 to 8 years old; weigh at least 55 pounds; be current on flea, tick and heartworm preventive medications; and have never been pregnant.

To set up a screening appointment, call (530) 752-1393 (option “0” on the automated message system) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or send an e-mail to caninebloodbank@gmail.com.

Spotlight: "Doggie Donors"

"Transfusion Medicine: Canine Community Blood Donor Program Begins"(Veterinary Medicine News, spring 2008)