Meet Minnie, a beautiful 5 year old Newfoundland and lifesaving blood donor.
Minnie has donated blood four times, helping to save the lives of up to 16 other dogs. Little did she know that being a blood donor would help to save her life after an abnormality was discovered following an annual blood screen.
At our last donation session at Bey Vets in Lancaster, Minnie was due an annual blood screen, something we do for all our donors to ensure they are fit and healthy to be lifesavers. This time around, though, Minnie’s test results showed an increased level of white blood cells, indicating inflammation and possible infection. Our vet immediately informed Minnie’s vet at Bay and her owner, Victoria, who treated her for what was originally thought to be inflamed skin on her ears.
However, Minnie was back at the vets a few days later as her appetite had decreased, the inflammation remained heightened, her temperature was increased, and she was discharging pus. An ultrasound scan revealed that her uterus was abnormally full and a pyometra was diagnosed. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection which can cause kidney failure and toxaemia. Minnie underwent emergency surgery to remove her infected womb and initially recovered well from the operation.
A few days after being home, Minnie began vomiting and had diarrhoea. She went back to the vets where they discovered she was becoming anaemic and must be losing blood from somewhere inside her body. It was uncovered that she has a bleeding stomach ulcer, which was likely a side effect of pain medication and the stress of being so unwell.
Minnie needed two and a half units of blood to treat this. Her own blood had helped to save the lives of so many other dogs but now, she was the one in need. Thankfully, the blood together with medication treated and healed the ulcer and Minnie’s anaemia went away as her red blood cell count normalised.
Finally, Minnie was sent home to recover, her ordeal behind her. She slowly regained her strength and is getting back to her happy and bouncy self.
Her owner, Victoria, shared a bit about this awful ordeal ‘Pet Blood Bank found early warning signs at her last donation and contacted me immediately, which meant she was treated early. It is entirely due to this quick response and the outstanding care received at Bay Vets during her illness and recovery that she is still with me, covering my house in hair, drool, and love. She acts as emotional support, helping me handle panic attacks and at times physically due to disability’.
Meet the donors
The blood that Minnie needed came from three lifesaving donors, Titan, Finch, and Douglas. Their owners were so proud when they heard the news.
Titan’s owner, Rachel, said, ‘That is the best news, exactly why we do it! Titan is an excitable Labrador, he is hyper and ball obsessed. I'm always so surprised he can stay still and donate, but he impresses me every time. He always enjoys the fuss and being spoilt on days he donates. It’s so lovely to hear that he has been able to help another dog.’
Finch’s owner, Alex, told us ‘I genuinely started crying when I read your email, I’m so proud of my boy! I’m currently training to be a veterinary nurse and found out about Pet Blood Bank through a client before I even had Finch. I’d never forgotten about it though and he went to his first donation session a few weeks after he turned one. He’s a great dog, the perfect mix of smart and goofy. He’s loved both sessions he’s been too and loves the fuss he gets from the team.’
Lynne, who owns Douglas, added ‘I must admit it did make me well up as I thought if it was one of my dogs having the unfortunate situation of needing blood how grateful I would be. Douglas has got me through some tough times - I’m so proud that he could help other dogs at their chance of a life.’
This story shows how the regular check-ups donor dogs receive at our sessions can help spot something early and inform their vet of any abnormalities. You really do never know when it might be your dog in need.
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 like Titan, Finch, and Douglas, and help to save the lives of dogs like Minnie.
