Cat saved by blood donation
Black and white cat Mischief, from Dunstable, was suffering life-threatening anaemia when fellow feline Little Al donated blood.
Mischief was referred to Davies Veterinary Specialists (DVS) in Hertfordshire as an emergency case. She had so few red blood cells she needed a transfusion to save her life.
Blood donor Little Al belongs to Sue Whitfield, a DVS radiographer. The 50ml of donated blood stabilised Mischief, providing the crucial time required to diagnose and treat the cause of the anaemia.
Mischief was able to return home a week after her blood transfusion. Her owner Sarah Everett said:
"We cannot thank Little Al and his owner enough for what they did that Friday night when they saved Mischief's life.
"I never appreciated the importance of cat blood donors before, but now I would like to encourage as many people as possible to sign up their cats as blood donors and potentially help save a cat's life."
It can be a struggle to find cat blood donors, according to Clive Elwood, managing director at DVS, so staff volunteering their pets is not entirely uncommon.
"Cat blood is a very precious resource and at the moment we usually have to rely on the generosity of our staff in volunteering their pets. Mischief was very lucky that Little Al was on hand.
"This case highlights the importance of cat blood donors being available to veterinary practices. We would love more people to sign up to our blood donor register."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
