Meet Scooby, a brave 5 year old Cocker Spaniel who needed several blood transfusions to save his life.
It all started when his owner noticed that Scooby wasn’t his usual energetic spaniel self. He was struggling up hills, his breathing seemed a little off, and, most concerningly, his gums were pale. A trip to the vet revealed that his red blood cell count was low, but not critical. However, the next day, Scooby became extremely lethargic, prompting an urgent referral to Langford Small Animal Hospital, where he was immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Blood tests confirmed Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia, which meant that Scooby’s immune system was attacking its own red blood cells. Despite extensive testing, no clear trigger was found. On his second day in hospital, his red blood cell count dropped dangerously low, and his gums turned white. A lifesaving blood transfusion was urgently needed.
Scooby spent ten days in ICU and needed four separate blood transfusions. Incredibly, his fourth transfusion was administered through a vein in his ear to give his legs a rest.
After two weeks, Scooby was stable enough to go home. His recovery was slow and careful, and long walks were put on hold to protect him from infections. But just four and a half weeks later, Scooby was back to his usual self, racing around the house and garden, full of life.
Regular blood tests continue to monitor his condition, and Scooby remains on medication.
His owner Rosemary said ‘We’d never have got this far if people didn’t volunteer their dogs to donate blood. I will be forever grateful to every single dog and their owner for donating blood and giving Scooby the chance of life.’
Dogs like Scooby rely on blood being available in these life- threatening situations, and we aim to ensure this is always the case. However, many more dogs are needed to come forward and give blood to meet this aim. 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.
