Meet Frankie, a brave 14 year old miniature poodle.
Frankie has sadly suffered from numerous health problems throughout his life, including heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cataracts that have left him partially sighted. It was his IBD that likely caused a severe case of anaemia, leading to a life-changing event for Frankie and his owner, Lottie.
In July 2023, during a visit to his vet, Frankie’s anaemia had worsened significantly, leaving him with dangerously low red blood cell levels. His vet advised that the safest course of action was an urgent blood transfusion. Frankie initially responded well to the transfusion, but developed fluid in his lungs afterward, making breathing difficult. Thanks to quick action from his vet, who provided emergency treatment, and a re-admission to intensive care, Frankie pulled through and spent two more nights recovering before being allowed home.
A year on, Frankie is doing well and living his best life. His owner Lottie is grateful to Pet Blood Bank and the incredible donor dogs that helped save Frankie.
‘I am eternally grateful to the incredible charity which i didn’t even know existed – the amazing Pet Blood Bank’, Lottie commented. ‘Tears are welling up in my eyes just thinking about the charity and the incredible owners and their pets who have literally given my boy a new lease of life at the amazing age of 14 and a half.’
In gratitude, Lottie has registered as a volunteer with Pet Blood Bank, as a way to give back and help other dogs in need.
Dogs can need blood at any time and for many different reasons. If your dog is fit and healthy, between 1 and 8 years old, weighs over 25kg, and is confident, they could become a blood donor and help to save the lives of dogs like Frankie.
Learn more about how your dog can become a lifesaver.