Hampshire dog meets canine blood donor who saved her life

Otto (left) donated blood to Sue and Gemma Bray's dog Poppy when she was dangerously anaemic

A dog whose blood count fell dangerously low has met the canine blood donor who saved her life.

Poppy, a maltipoo, was highly anaemic when she had the late-night operation at Seadown Veterinary Hospital in Hythe, Hampshire, in November.

Otto, a Korthals Griffon, made his first-ever donation to save her because the practice had no blood in stock.

His owner Nariece Acworth, who works as a pharmacist at the hospital, said she was "incredibly proud".

Otto's owner Nariece Acworth said she was "incredibly proud" of him

She said the operation took place just weeks after Otto turned one, the minimum age for canine blood donations.

Poppy's owner Sue Bray, from Totton, said her Maltese-poodle cross, then aged nine, was a "different dog" the next day.

Mrs Bray said: "She's been the most energetic I've ever known her. [Without the operation] she would have died. You could tell by her breathing.

"I loved meeting Otto, just to say thank you."

Sue Bray (pictured with daughter Gemma) said Poppy would have died without Otto's donation

She said the decision to have the procedure was a "no-brainer", even though the combined cost of Poppy's care without pet insurance is nearing £2,000.

Ms Acworth said the practice's usual supplier - the Pet Blood Bank charity - had struggled for donations since the Covid pandemic.

Sian Anderson, from the charity, said: "Unfortunately, blood's an ever-growing demand so we also want more animals to come along to sessions."

Supplies of positive type dog blood are usually very healthy while stocks of negative type blood are often low, according to the charity's website.

Could your dog be a lifesaver?

• Donor dogs need to be between one and 8 years of age, weigh over 25kg (55lb) and be fit and healthy

• They should be confident and fairly obedient because sedation is not normally used

• DEA 1 negative type canine blood can be safely given to all dogs but is more rare than DEA 1 positive type blood

• Breeds including Boxers, Greyhounds and Irish Wolfhounds are more likely to be DEA 1 negative and are wanted as donors

• Dog blood has been given in emergency situations to cats

(Sources: Pet Blood Bank UK, Seadown Veterinary Hospital)

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