🚨 Did you know there’s NO national blood bank for pets? When a dog or cat needs a life-saving transfusion, it’s down to local donor animals—often the pets of clinic staff or friends—to save the day!

1️⃣ The most common reason pets need transfusions is rat bait poisoning, stopping blood from clotting and causing deadly internal bleeding.

2️⃣ Severe anemia from immune disease or parasites is another top cause requiring urgent intervention.

3️⃣ Trauma from accidents or fights can lead to catastrophic blood loss, making rapid transfusions essential.

4️⃣ Most vet clinics rely on a “call list” of animal donors—meaning if you have a healthy, calm dog between 1-8 years old and over 25kg, your pet could literally save lives!

5️⃣ Unlike humans, dogs can safely receive a single unmatched transfusion, while cats need a perfect blood type match—making donations even more precious.

💡 The biggest takeaway? Every donor counts. In an emergency, having pet blood available can mean the difference between life and death. Talking to your local clinic about joining their donor list might be the most important thing you ever do for a pet in need.

💭 Would you consider having your dog or cat become a blood donor?

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Can you believe that one common dog disease is misdiagnosed 50% of the time! So then, how can we trust the accuracy of a diagnosis if our beloved pets are suffering?

1️⃣ Sensitivity and specificity are crucial in diagnostic tests but often involve a trade-off. A highly sensitive test reduces false negatives, while a highly specific one cuts down false positives.

2️⃣ Misdiagnosis can result from running inappropriate tests, lack of funds, incorrect history interpretation, and limited vet knowledge.

3️⃣ Skin allergies, heart failure, mild lameness, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism are frequently misdiagnosed in dogs, often leading to unnecessary treatments.

4️⃣ The case of hypothyroidism reveals up to fifty-nine percent of dogs diagnosed might not actually need treatment according to recent studies.

💡Understanding the complexities of diagnostic accuracy and the factors contributing to misdiagnosis can save you thousands and spare your pet unnecessary discomfort. Knowing the challenges can ensure you ask the right questions and give your pet the information and tools they need to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.

Dive into more details in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-misdiagnosis

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🛑 Is Your Pet's Pain Relief Doing More Harm Than Good?

🧑‍⚕️In this compelling episode of the Call the Vet podcast, veterinarian Dr. Alex Avery uncovers the painkiller side effect that no one is talking about— and it’s not what you’d expect! 🤯 From busting myths about medication risks to highlighting the dangers of inaction, this episode is a must-listen for every pet parent.

Join us as we explore:

• The real risks vs. perceived dangers of pet painkillers 🐾
• The hidden consequences of untreated arthritis and chronic pain 😿
• Why anecdotal internet stories might be misleading you 🌐
• A veterinarian’s candid insights after 18 years in practice 🩺

Hit play to ensure you’re making the best, informed decisions for your furry family members. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow the Call the Vet podcast for more expert advice on optimizing your pet’s health and happiness! 🐶❤️🐱

Tune in now—your pet’s well-being might just depend on it! 🎧✨

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