DEXI’S A REAL BLOODHOUND!
OWNER OF PET WHOSE LIFE WAS SAVED BY TRANSFUSION IS NOW CALLING FOR MORE DOGS TO BECOME DONORS
A DOG-lover whose pet received a lifesaving blood transfusion is appealing for more canine donors.
Sally Sagar, 64, regularly takes retriever Dexi to give blood.
She has given enough to save the lives of 12 dogs.
Sally decided Dexi should become a regular donor after a previous dog, Gem, who was the same breed, needed an emergency transfusion after falling seriously ill.
There was no blood available for Gem, who was given an eleventh-hour transfusion of synthetic blood and brought back from the brink.
Sally, from Bramhall, Stockport, said: “I nearly lost Gem, who needed an operation after suffering stomach torsions and lost a lot of blood. As there was no blood available, she received synthetic blood to keep her alive. It was so distressing and upsetting. I know how I felt when my dog nearly died, and if it prevents other families having to go through that, it is really worth it.”
Sally takes Dexi to Woodcroft Veterinary Group, on Councillor Lane, Cheadle Hulme, to donate. She is urging other pet owners to go along to its next blood donating session on May 4, which has been organised with charity Pet Blood Bank UK.
Donations can be used to help dogs that have either been involved in accidents or those taken ill.
She added: “Allowing your dog to give blood is a very straightforward procedure.
“I bring Dexi here and she is cuddled by nurses and myself.
“After donating, she receives food, water and a new toy – so she loves it.”
Dave Tymms, clinical director at Woodcroft, added: “Having blood available has revolutionised the treatment we can provide when it is required in an emergency.
“We use the blood on a regular basis to help save the lives of pets. With 1,000 dogs needing a transfusion last year, it is important owners bring their dogs along.”
To become a donor, dogs must be fit and healthy, aged one to eight, and weigh more than 25kg.
They must have a good temperament, have never travelled abroad, be fully vaccinated and not on medication.