Meet Reuben, a six year old Irish Setter who needed a blood transfusion to save his life.
Reuben started the day running around the garden with his family like any other day. But when he didn’t come when called for his walk, panic set in. Moments later, he appeared unsteady on his legs, with ghostly pale gums. His family knew something was wrong.
He was rushed to Chester Gates Veterinary Hospital, where the team acted immediately. After a thorough examination, the vet found Reuben’s abdomen was full of blood. A ruptured tumour on his spleen was the likely cause, and his condition was critical. That’s when the vet team said he needed a blood transfusion to stand a chance of surviving.
“I didn’t even know that was possible!” said Reuben’s owner, Michelle. “That blood gave him a fighting chance at life.”
The vet removed Reuben’s spleen and the tumour. The surgery was long and difficult. He spent the next few days resting and slowly gaining strength, dressed in a little bodysuit to stop him licking his stitches. The risk of the tumour being cancerous was high. But then, incredible news arrived, the tumour was benign. No further treatment was needed. Reuben is expected to go on to live a normal, happy life.
‘’To the anonymous dog who donated their blood that saved Reuben's life, we are forever grateful and in awe of your selfless actions. Reuben and the Ashfield family can never thank you enough.’’ Said his owner Michelle.
Dogs like Reuben need other healthy dogs to donate blood so that it is always there in an emergency like this. If your dog is aged between 1 and 8, over 25kg, and fit and healthy they could be a lifesaver. Visit our dog blood donation pages to learn more.
