Ben's Blood Donation Story

History

When Ben was unusually quiet one night in August 2010, his owners knew something was wrong. Being a young dog at only 2 years old and an English Springer Spaniel, Ben was always on the go. He loved to play ball and run in the fields. His owners thought he may have just picked up a bug, but when he became worse the following day; they brought him straight up to see the Vet.

Sophie, his vet examined him and was very worried when she found his gums to be a yellow colour rather than the normal salmon pink colour. Yellow gums indicate jaundice which can occur due to a number of different diseases. Sadly it is not a good sign, so Sophie admitted Ben to the surgery for an intensive work up

Investigations

A blood sample was taken which revealed Ben to be severely anaemic (low in red blood cells). Anaemia can be due to any, or a combination of the following:

Not only was Ben low in red blood cells, his body was actually destroying them. This is known as Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA).

IMHA can occur due to a pre-existing disease, severe allergic reactions (for example to certain drugs) and in certain cases there is no underlying reason and the disease is then known as Auto-Immune (meaning self caused).

Ben was suffering from Auto-immune mediated haemolytic anaemic. He was destroying every blood cell in his body which was releasing a pigment turning his skin and gums to a yellow colour. A blood cell count estimates the amount of red blood cells in the body and in normal dogs it is 38-44%, however Ben’s blood cell count was only 3%. Less than 8% is barely compatible with life. Ben rapidly needed treatment with medication and a blood transfusion in order to save his life.

Treatment

Dylan, a 5 year old German Pointer, owned by one of the other Vets at the Summerhill Surgery Hannah, came to the rescue! Dylan has given blood before so he was used to the procedure. Dylan was given a light sedative to keep him calm while Hannah connected a line into a vein in his neck to collect the much needed blood for Ben.

Ben received Dylan’s blood under the very close eye of Sophie and Hannah. Like humans, dogs also have different blood types so occasionally they can have reactions to donor blood. Luckily, the transfusion went smoothly and over the next few days Ben gained strength. The medication Ben received helps prevent the body from destroying the red blood cells. They are strong drugs and can sometimes have unpleasant side effects, so Ben also received medication to help stop/relieve those side effects.

Ben's Future

Against all odds, Ben pulled though and 4 months later he is doing really well. His medication has now been reduced, although he will remain on it for a long period of time. There is always a possibility of relapse so Ben’s owners know the signs to watch out for. Ben has regular blood checks with Sophie and Hannah too. His gums have returned to the normal pink colour and his red blood count is now normal.

Sophie takes a blood sample during a recheck under the watchful eye of Ben’s caring owner

Ben's now pink gums

Despite all his treatment, Ben has always been a happy dog and always wags his tail when fussed over! Dylan was thanked by Ben and received a “Big Mac” burger as a little treat to say thanks for saving his life!

Dylan and his proud owner, Hannah having a catch up with Ben and his owner a few weeks after his blood transfusion.

Thank you Dylan for helping save Ben’s life!