Emergency blood transfusion from dog saves critically ill cat

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 19:09 · Archive

A two-year-old cat with severe anaemia was saved with emergency blood from a veterinarian's cocker spaniel.

Two-year-old cat Rolo was critically ill with severe anaemia caused by a flea infestation when she arrived at Vets Now in Sutton, south London, unable to eat, drink or move. Her red blood cell count had fallen to just seven per cent, far below the normal level of around 30 per cent.

With no feline blood available at the time, emergency vet Paige Walker used an unusual but established emergency option: blood from her own four-year-old cocker spaniel Gin. Around 60 millilitres of blood was taken from the dog before being transfused to Rolo, who was monitored closely throughout the night.

Paige Walker explained that whilst cross-species transfusion between dog and cat might sound surprising, it is a recognised emergency procedure, though there is no guarantee of success and it carries risks. She noted that Rolo had collapsed and her gums were very pale, a common indicator of anaemia. The procedure proved successful, with Rolo's red blood cell count gradually beginning to rise.

How it is being reported

• Vet saves critically ill cat’s life by using dog’s bloodThe procedure proved successful, and Rolo’s red blood cell count gradually began to rise.New York Post · 22 Oct, 18:50
• Critically ill cat named Rolo is saved by an emergency blood transfusion - from a dogThe beloved family pet was unable to eat or drink and had become so weak that she could no longer move when she was taken for emergency treatment at Vets Now in Sutton, south London.Daily Mail · 21 Oct, 21:08

In this story: Rolo · Paige Walker · Gin · Vets Now · Sutton · London

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