First ever training program dedicated to transfusion of blood and its components in dogs in north India
Under the aegis of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav - 75 years of India’s independence', the Department of Veterinary 
Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana organized three days training programme on "Practical tips on anaemia and blood transfusion in dogs”. It is first ever training program dedicated to transfusion of blood and its components in dogs in north India. The Blood Transfusion Unit at GADVASU is the first one in north India to separate the whole blood into different components, such as packed RBCs, platelets and plasma and transfuse the need based blood component into recipient patient. In this way, blood from a single donor dogs could be transfused to 3-diferent patients based on their requirements.
Dr. Shukriti Sharma, Course Director and Blood Transfusion Unit Incharge told that the training was specifically 
designed for field veterinarians, clinicians and young budding postgraduates, involved in pet practice for diagnosis and treatment of anaemia to increase their professional competency. Various lectures and practical demonstrations for diagnosis of anaemia and transfusion of blood and its components following cross-matching, blood typing and screening of donor dogs for infectious pathogens were carried out. Besides, practical demonstrations on ancillary diagnostic techniques viz. ECG, Echocardiography and blood pressure measurement were also demonstrated. He said that the Blood Transfusion Unit has been appreciated throughout the country.
Dr. S.K. Uppal, Dean Postgraduate Studies during inauguration of training program emphasized the need of blood transfusion in dogs to save the lives of severely anaemic patients. At the valedictory function, Dr. J. P. S. Gill, Director of Research, highlighted the pivotal role of the veterinary university in providing the best health services to livestock and pet owners including blood transfusion. Dr. Gill especially appreciated the efforts of two personalities, namely Ms. Tanya Garg of India for Animals and Mr. Sudhir Bisht of Global Aid Unlimited, who had arranged at least hundred donor dogs for blood transfusion unit. Dr. S.P.S. Ghuman congratulated the organizers in successful organization of training program, and transfer of knowledge to field vets.
Dr. Sharma requested all the dog owners to come forward and donate the blood as there is still a great scarcity of donor dogs, and many dogs die due to shortage of blood or its components. Dr. Sharma thanked all the experts and faculty members of Veterinary Medicine for rendering help in successful conduct of training program.
