When sick animals need blood, animal “superheroes” come to the rescue

This article is part of our special Pets section on scientists' growing interest in our animal companions.
Au At first, it was hard to tell if something was really wrong with Rover. The 10-year-old yellow Labrador has always been a bit lazy, so when he refused to get off the mat last February, it wasn't entirely out of character for him. But then he refused a treat.
"That was when we were like, 'We have a very sick dog on our hands'." said Hilary O'Hollaren of Portland. , Oregon.
Mrs. O'Hollaren's husband rushed Rover to DoveLewis Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, where doctors had serious news: the dog had a tumor in his spleen. Worse still, it had ruptured, causing massive internal bleeding. Without a blood transfusion, Rover had only a few hours to live.
The couple quickly gave consent, and the transfusion bought enough time for tests more in-depth diagnostics. Vets discovered that although Rover suffered from an aggressive form of cancer, which would eventually return, it had not yet metastasized. So they removed Rover's spleen and sent him home to live out his final months with his family.
"We are truly grateful that there is even had the opportunity to have this transfusion,” Ms. O’Hollaren said. “We’re just trying to make every day the best day of his life.”
All kinds of illnesses, including injuries, infectious diseases, immune problems and cancer, can leave an animal in desperate need of blood, and transfusion has become an increasingly common part of veterinary care.
We are having trouble retrieving article content.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. p>
Thank you for your patience while we verify access If you are in Reader mode, please exit and sign in to your Times account, or subscribe to the full Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all the Times?

Health Jun 26, 2024 0 10 Add to Reading List

When sick animals need blood, animal “superheroes” come to the rescue

This article is part of our special Pets section on scientists' growing interest in our animal companions.

Au At first, it was hard to tell if something was really wrong with Rover. The 10-year-old yellow Labrador has always been a bit lazy, so when he refused to get off the mat last February, it wasn't entirely out of character for him. But then he refused a treat.

"That was when we were like, 'We have a very sick dog on our hands'." said Hilary O'Hollaren of Portland. , Oregon.

Mrs. O'Hollaren's husband rushed Rover to DoveLewis Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, where doctors had serious news: the dog had a tumor in his spleen. Worse still, it had ruptured, causing massive internal bleeding. Without a blood transfusion, Rover had only a few hours to live.

The couple quickly gave consent, and the transfusion bought enough time for tests more in-depth diagnostics. Vets discovered that although Rover suffered from an aggressive form of cancer, which would eventually return, it had not yet metastasized. So they removed Rover's spleen and sent him home to live out his final months with his family.

"We are truly grateful that there is even had the opportunity to have this transfusion,” Ms. O’Hollaren said. “We’re just trying to make every day the best day of his life.”

All kinds of illnesses, including injuries, infectious diseases, immune problems and cancer, can leave an animal in desperate need of blood, and transfusion has become an increasingly common part of veterinary care.

We are having trouble retrieving article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. p>

Thank you for your patience while we verify access If you are in Reader mode, please exit and sign in to your Times account, or subscribe to the full Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all the Times?