Meet Yelena, a happy and smiley German Shepherd who needed two blood transfusions to save her life.

The weekend she became ill, Yelena had only mild symptoms at first. She’d had some diarrhoea and seemed quiet but as it was bonfire night, her owner Lesley put it down to stress created by the outside noises. However, by Monday it was obvious she was unwell, she seemed wobbly and wouldn’t eat, and was taken to the vet.

Her vet took a blood sample which showed her red blood cell level was dangerously low. After collapsing, Yelena was admitted to North West Veterinary Specialists as an emergency patient, where she was diagnosed with Immune Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA).

They told me it was touch and go whether she would survive’, Lesley said.

Late at night, Yelena was given a transfusion of two units of blood. She was kept in for five nights, with her red blood cell count going up, from 8% to 18%. A healthy dog’s red blood cell level is between 35%-70% so hers was still very low. She was released from hospital on a wide range of medication, taking 32 tablets a day including immuno-suppressants, steroids, and blood thinners.

Yelena had to go back to the hospital weekly for blood tests and after about five months, her vets started to slowly reduce her medication. Now, finally, she has been taken off all medication and her red blood cell level is a stable and healthy 48%.

I can’t thank Pet Blood Bank and the vets enough for saving her life. I got her as a rescue at 17 weeks old from Shad’s Legacy. She is my best friend and soul mate’, Lesley told us.

Yelena loves balls and is always spotted with one in her mouth. Her favourite trick is dropping her ball into her water bowl and then soaking the kitchen floor. She also loves going to doggy daycare and playing with her friends – back to her very best! 

Dogs like Yelena 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.

Find out more and register your dog as a lifesaver.