A RUNCORN vets helped to save a Widnes cat from a devastating condition – thanks to a donation of blood from her brother.
One-year-old Mabel was saved by her brother Jefferson from an autoimmune condition after he donated some blood and intense treatment at a Runcorn animal hospital.
Mabel was rushed into Linnaeus-owned Northwest Veterinary Specialists with severe anaemia, reduced white blood cell and platelet counts, lethargy and a lack of appetite.
Initial investigations revealed Mabel was suffering from an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own red blood cells in the bone marrow before they are released into the circulation.
This called for urgent help so an immediate blood transfusion before the investigations was necessary.
The major problem is that there are no feline blood banks in the UK. The blood was then donated by Jefferson.
Mabel’s owner Jayne White, from Widnes, said: “There wasn’t a donor cat able to give blood, so we were asked for Mabel’s brother Jefferson to be brought over to test if he was a match.
“Incredibly, he was a match and was able to donate blood, saving his sister's life.”
Francesca Venier, internal medicine specialist at Northwest Veterinary Specialists, added: “Thanks to Jefferson, we were able to complete the investigations and start Mabel on treatment.
“Her anaemia improved and we were able to send her back home after four days of hospitalisation.
“Mabel continues to do well and she is back playing in the garden with Jefferson. She is still on treatment, but we are hoping to wean her off medications soon.”
Northwest Veterinary Specialists is calling on cat owners to see if their pet is suitable to be added to its feline blood donor list.
Donor cats have to meet certain criteria, such as being fit and healthy, not to be on any medication, never travelled outside the UK or Ireland and to have a good temperament, to be considered.
Those interested in registering their feline friend as a potentially lifesaving blood donor should email enquiries@nwspecialists.com
Jayne added: “Everyone we came into contact with at Northwest Veterinary Specialists was helpful, lovely and kind.
“Even when Mabel was discharged, Francesca has called to check on Mabel’s progress.”
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