Donor dog's life saved by blood donation

A dog who has donated blood four times for fellow canines has ended up being saved after receiving a blood donation.

Nicole Osborne, from Pet Bloodbank UK, said the case "highlights the importance of blood being available for dogs" after vets detected an infection during a health check on Minnie, who is a five-year-old Newfoundland.

Blood for canines is usually needed following trauma, disease and during surgery.

Operating like a human blood bank, fit and healthy dogs between the age of one and eight can donate several times a year.

Each unit of blood can help save up to four other canines often meaning the difference between life and death for seriously ill patients.

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