Minnie receiving transfusion
The Full Circle Of Lifesaving Blood
4 months ago 
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Minnie, a beautiful 5 year old Newfoundland from Lancaster, is no stranger to helping to save lives. She has donated blood four times with Pet Blood Bank, which will have helped vets to save the lives of up to 16 other dogs.
However, when Minnie was struck down by a life-threatening infection, she herself had to rely on the very service she was used to supporting.
It was being a donor that first alerted Minnie’s owner Victoria to the infection festering inside her. She had no symptoms but her annual blood screen, something Pet Blood Bank performs on all donor dogs, showed an increased level of white blood cells, indicating inflammation and possible infection.
Minnie was treated immediately at Bay Vets’ Lancaster practice, the very same place she had donated blood just a few days before, for what was originally thought to be inflamed skin on her ears. However, Minnie’s condition continued to deteriorate, and an ultrasound revealed pyometra. Minnie underwent emergency surgery to remove her infected womb and initially recovered well from the operation.
A few days later, though, Minnie was back at the vets where it was discovered that she was becoming anaemic due to a bleeding stomach ulcer. To treat this, Minnie needed two and a half units of blood, provided by Pet Blood Bank. After her own blood had helped to save the lives of so many other dogs, she was now the one in need.
Finally, Minnie was sent home to recover, her ordeal behind her. She slowly regained her strength and is getting back to her happy and bouncy self.
Her owner, Victoria, said, ‘Pet Blood Bank found early warning signs at Minnie’s last donation and contacted me immediately, which meant she was treated early. It is entirely due to this quick response and the outstanding care received at Bay Vets during her illness and recovery that she is still with me, covering my house in hair, drool, and love. She acts as emotional support, helping me handle panic attacks and at times physically due to disability.’
Steffani Webster from Bay Vets said, ‘Minnie's case was very personal to me as a phlebotomist for Pet Blood Bank and a registered veterinary nurse at Bay Vets. She was seriously ill and decompensating fast. She bounced back at such an incredible rate thanks to the packed red blood cells we got from Pet Blood Bank. It was a real pleasure treating her and getting to see her recover so well after the transfusion.’
The support Pet Blood Bank receives from generous veterinary practices across the country enables them to have this blood available. That blood is then used by veterinary teams, often saving the lives of pets in need. It was a full circle moment for Minnie and her story demonstrates the importance of dogs donating blood, and of blood being available in times of need.
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