Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Rescue dog saves puppy’s life with blood donation
Taurus was rescued by the RSPCA in November 2022.
Taurus' calm and gentle nature made him an ideal candidate.

A five-year-old dog, rescued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), has saved the life of a 16-week-old puppy which needed a blood transfusion.

Rescue dog Taurus was at Birmingham Animal Centre at Newbrook Farm when the puppy, Percy, was brought into a nearby animal hospital.

When Percy arrived at Birmingham Animal Hospital he was small, unwell, and desperately needed a blood transfusion to help him to rebuild his strength.

Dog blood donors have to be vaccinated, fit, healthy, and weigh more than 25kg. They must be aged between one and eight-years-old, and have a good temperament so that they don’t find the experience stressful.

The kennels team at the nearby animal centre suggested that Taurus would be an ideal candidate.

He donated 175ml of blood and, while Percy’s condition is still uncertain, the team believe the transfusion has given him the best possible chance.

Taurus was rescued by the RSPCA in November 2022, with a large number of other dogs. He stayed in police kennels for sometime, before he was transferred to Birmingham Animal Centre in September 2023.

While helping him find his forever home, the team at Newbrook Farm soon discovered his loving and gentle nature. However, they believe that Taurus’ ‘intimidating’ appearance may be deterring potential owners.

Taurus is a mastiff-cross, and arrived at the RSPCA with cropped ears.

Ear-cropping is an illegal practice, where a dog’s ear is partially or fully removed for cosmetic reasons. This can cause lifelong health, welfare and behavioural difficulties for dogs.

Kelly Legg, kennel supervisor at RSPCA Birmingham, said: “Taurus is such a loving and sweet boy and he’s very relaxed in the hospital environment so we knew he’d be comfortable giving blood.

“This soft side of Taurus is why all of us have fallen in love with him, but, sadly, we believe many people aren’t seeing this side of him and are being put off due to his intimidating appearance caused by his cropped ears.”

She added: “He’s been waiting so long to find a new home and we hope that one day soon someone will see the light that shines so brightly in his heart and become his new family.”

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.