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Isn't this just amazing?
Canine blood donor saves Bonnie's life
SAM EMANUEL
Last updated: 14/03/2010 08:00:00
She may have been about to bark her last bark, but one
plucky dog with a serious illness has had her life saved thanks to a pet blood transfusion which saw a retired greyhound step into the breach to donate blood.
Bonnie, a 12-year-old Labrador cross which suffered from anaemia and was at risk of a heart attack, was given 400ml of blood donated by Fern, a three-year-old dog belonging to Taverham vet Tom Robertson in a life-saving operation.
The advance in pet care - likely to be seen as a blessing by dog owners - is thanks to the new canine blood donor service being run from Taverham Veterinary Practice as part of the Norwich Night Vet 24-hour emergency service. It has also helped dogs who have been hit by cars or have problems with their spleens.
Dogs have different blood types to humans - positive and negative - and most dogs have a type called negative DEA blood, which means they can give blood to any other dog.
Mr Robertson said: "Bonnie was the first patient to receive a blood transfusion as part of the new service started at the beginning of this year.
"When she arrived, her blood count was only 8pc, compared to a normal blood count of between 38pc and 57pc. At this level of anaemia she was in danger of a cardiac arrest and so after typing her blood we gave her an immediate transfusion, which definitely saved her life.
"Fern, my own retired greyhound, had been the first donor and gave a unit of blood. Taking the blood took 10 minutes, and thanks to some local anaesthetic and plenty of cuddles from our nurses she didn't seem to mind the process at all. I like to think that Fern would be pleased to know she has saved another dog's life."
Previously, when dogs were brought in needing blood, the surgery had to get it delivered from Loughborough, which could be time-consuming and difficult to co-ordinate.
But now the surgery has started blood donation in-house, taking blood from an average of one dog a month, and is appealing for dog owners to put their dogs on the register.
It is also considering extending the service to cats in the future, as it currently uses artificial blood for felines and this can be extremely expensive.
To be a canine blood donor, a dog must be well behaved, fully vaccinated, over 25kg in weight, between one and six years of age and be in good health.
In return for their donation, which would be at most once a year, the dogs receive a goody bag and a voucher for a free vaccination.
To register your dog or for more information, call Taverham Veterinary Practice on 01603 867330.
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Our vets in Monmouth run a similar service. They have some days when blood donor dogs come in to give blood, which is then used during operations. The donors photos were displayed on the wall in the waiting room.
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Jean, I expect many vets will try doing this if they have the facilities - it makes sense and helps animals - what more can anyone want?
Lizx
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