Meet Harvey, much-loved 10-year-old cocker spaniel.
Harvey was rushed to Paragon Veterinary Referrals in Wakefield after suddenly becoming very lethargic, while also passing dark stools and showing signs of bruising on the skin of his abdomen.
In order to save Harvey’s life, Paragon performed its very first platelet concentrate transfusion with support from Pet Blood Bank, who only launched the new product last year.
Harvey had moderate anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia (very low platelet numbers) as he had developed a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the platelets. In a lot of dogs, like Harvey, the original cause is unknown.
Platelets are required for blood clotting, which explained the bleeding into Harvey’s stomach and the bruising of the skin. Platelet transfusions are crucial in the early stages of treatment to stem the bleeding, reducing the need for multiple blood transfusions and speeding up recovery.
Harvey’s owner, Julie Wright from Calverton near Nottingham, said: 'Harvey rapidly went downhill and we were in shock at the time as we knew something wasn’t right but had no idea how critical he was. Paragon prepared us for the worst but, thankfully, following the platelet transfusion Harvey is back to full health and his active and sociable self'.
Jane Scott, veterinary surgeon at Paragon, said: 'Platelet products have been available for some time in the USA but have only recently become available in the UK from Pet Blood Bank. The canine platelet concentrate was couriered to us and Harvey received the transfusion that evening - he was brighter by the next day. We are really pleased to work with colleagues at Pet Blood Bank to be able to give lifesaving platelet transfusions'.
On the other side of this wonderful story is Lady, the donor dog from Kendal whose blood helped save Harvey’s life. Lady’s owner, John, was very proud to hear the news, adding ‘I am very happy and proud that Lady has been helping other poorly dogs back to health’.
Cases like this show just how vital it is for vets to have access to a source of platelets for dogs. Our new blood product, Canine Platelet Concentrate, is now available to vets offering a lifesaving treatment for dogs suffering from excessive bleeding due to a low number of platelets. Thanks to all the support of our wonderful community, we are proud to supply this product and hope it will help to save many lives in the future.
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. To help dogs like Harvey, find out more about your dog becoming a donor or the other ways you can get involved.
