​Donor Dexi leads Woodcroft Vets appeal for dogs to help save lives – by giving blood

​Donor Dexi leads Woodcroft Vets appeal for dogs to help save lives – by giving blood

A GREATER Manchester dog owner, whose beloved pet needed an emergency blood transfusion, is appealing for more canine donors.

Sally Sagar nearly lost her dog, Gem, who urgently needed a blood transfusion 10 years ago after becoming ill, and since then has regularly brought her latest pet into Woodcroft Veterinary Group to give blood to help save the lives of other dogs.

Flat-Coated Retriever Dexi has given blood three times, donating enough blood to have potentially saved the lives of 12 other dogs.

Now Sally, who lives in Bramhall, Stockport, has teamed up with Woodcroft Veterinary Hospital to appeal for other dog owners to come along to their next blood donor session at their Cheadle Hulme practice on May 4.

Donated blood is used to save the lives of dogs from all over the country that have been involved in accidents or are seriously ill.

The dog donor sessions are organised through Pet Blood Bank UK (PBB), a charity that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practices across the UK.

Dexi, who is four, has been donating blood for two years – and receives a new toy after each session.

Sally Sagar said: “Ten years ago I nearly lost another Flat-Coated Retriever, 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 made up my mind to help Pet Blood Bank UK. I know how I felt when my dog nearly died, and if it prevents other families having to go through that, then it is really worth it.

“Allowing your dog to give blood is a very straightforward procedure. I bring her to Woodcroft Veterinary Hospital, she is cuddled by nurses and myself. After donating, she receives food, water and a new toy – so she loves it!”

Woodcroft Clinical Director of Hospital and A&E Services Dave Tymms said: “Having blood available has revolutionised the treatment we can provide for our patients 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 donor sessions we host.

“One recent case at Woodcroft was an 18-month-old Staffie called Jimmy, who had a broken tooth and when it was extracted, it continued to bleed. We gave him two units of Fresh Frozen Plasma and a red blood cell transfusion to boost his levels and he went on to make a full recovery.”

To become a donor, all dogs must be fit and healthy, aged between one and eight, weigh more than 25kg, have a good temperament, have never travelled abroad, fully vaccinated and not on medication.

Owners interested in bringing their dog to the next donor session at Woodcroft’s branch in Councillor Lane, Cheadle Hulme, can contact Pet Blood Bank UK on 01509 232 222 or the surgery on 0161 485 8444.

For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners Head of PR and Communications, on 0191 274 7910 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk