Mollie was brought to the Blue Cross animal hospital in Grimsby when her owner noticed she wasn’t quite herself. She had become lethargic, was off her food, and just didn’t have her usual spark.
After running tests, the vet team diagnosed Mollie with a serious condition called immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA). This autoimmune disease causes the body to attack its own red blood cells, leading to severe anaemia. A healthy dog’s PCV (packed cell volume) should be between 37–55%. Mollie’s had plummeted to just 8%.
She urgently needed a blood transfusion to survive.
The team at Blue Cross contacted us straight away, and we were able to provide a lifesaving unit of blood. As an animal welfare charity, we’re proud to support organisations like Blue Cross by supplying blood free of charge to veterinary charities – something made possible only through the generosity of our wonderful fundraisers.
Mollie’s transfusion raised her PCV to 33%, and after a few days of medication, fluids, close monitoring, and plenty of cuddles, she was well enough to go home.
Mollie’s owner, Dave said: ‘I’m so lucky to have the hospital on my doorstep, along with the amazing doggie blood donor, they saved Mollie’s life.’
The blood that saved Mollie’s life came from Millie, a beautiful greyhound and one of our incredible donor dogs.
Millie sadly passed away in September, with vets suspecting a spinal stroke. Losing her was heartbreaking for her family. But knowing that her donation had given another dog a second chance brought immense comfort.
Millie’s owner Emma shared, ‘We still miss Millie so much but have adopted another greyhound who we hope one day may be able to donate.’
Millie’s legacy lives on in Mollie – a touching reminder of the difference one dog can make.
But stories like this are only possible when blood is available the moment it’s needed. Right now, our stocks are at critical levels. We urgently need more donor dogs, especially those with negative blood type, like Millie, which can be given to any dog in an emergency.
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 lives.
And if your own dog is unable to be a donor, helping us by fundraising means we can continue providing lifesaving blood products for free to dedicated veterinary charities who do such incredible work.
