Clover is a beautiful older Golden Retriever who was presented to the Emergency service at Beecroft late on a Sunday evening.
Her owners had noted that she was lethargic and not eating, which was unusual for her. Dr Simone attended Clover and was concerned that she had pale gums, a high heart rate and poor pulses. Stabilisation measures were quickly started including intravenous fluids whilst Dr Simone investigated further. Dr Simone used ultrasound to examine the abdomen and found that sadly there was blood around her abdominal organs due to a suspect mass on her spleen. Clover therefore required an emergency surgery to control the source of the bleeding and she had her spleen removed. Post-operatively, Clover was closely monitored in our Intensive Care Unit. Dr Nadine took over Clover’s care and became concerned that Clover was struggling with anaemia due to the drop in her red blood cells from the haemorrhage.
Amazingly, Mochi came forward as a potential donor for Clover. Mochi is also a golden retriever and is owned by Andrew.
“I never knew dogs could donate blood, but when a mutual friend connected us with a dog in urgent need of a transfusion, we stepped up to help out. Being completely new to the process, I didn’t know what to expect, but Dr. Nadine and the team at Beecroft were meticulous and reassuring, explaining every step of the process and answering all of my questions. Mochi was a match and after the donation she was quickly back to her normal, energetic self. It was a special moment knowing the critical role Mochi played in Clover’s recovery, and I especially appreciated Dr. Nadine calling the next day to check up on Mochi, extending the same level of care for donors and patients alike.” – Andrew
Whilst on paper Mochi met all of the blood donor criteria, Dr Nadine wanted to make sure she was fit and healthy before proceeding with a donation. Mochi was in good health and after a screening blood test, Mochi was a great match for Clover! Mochi therefore donated blood which was immediately administered to Clover. Clover was closely monitored throughout her transfusion for any signs of a reaction by our ECC nursing team.
Clover started feeling better and by the evening was eating chicken with her owners! Mochi was also closely monitored on her recovery and enjoyed a well-deserved chicken lunch. Clover was discharged from the hospital two days later.
Quote from Mr Teo: “Our senior dog Clover suddenly ruptured her spleen and required emergency surgery. But the nightmare did not end there – despite a successful surgery, she had bled too much and had a dangerously low red blood count. We urgently needed a matching blood donor. After a desperate search, we managed to find the wonderful and spritely Mochi who came down to Beecroft on the same day to get tested. Thankfully they were a match, and Clover underwent a much-needed blood transfusion.
Now, Clover is back home with us, amongst her family and her toys, and Mochi’s life-saving blood still runs through her veins. If not for the generosity and kindness of Mochi’s pawrents and the dog-owning community in Singapore, our sweet Clover would have been lost to us. We will always be grateful, and extend every support that we can to any dog that requires a blood donation.”
We are very thankful to Mochi and Mr Hodowanec for coming forward to help Clover in her hour of need. We would love to help more pets that may require emergency blood transfusions in the future, so if you think your dog could be suitable, please do get in touch! We have a dog who needs a major surgery in two weeks’ time and we would like to have blood on standby in case, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you think your dog could help. Please contact Dr Nadine and the Emergency and Critical Care team via ecc@beecroft.com.sg and we’d be happy to explain the process and assess whether your pet could be a blood donor.
Blood donor criteria for dogs:
· Over 20kg
· Between 1-8 years old
· Has no known health problems or medical conditions currently
· Has no known history of heart murmurs or seizures
· Has never received a blood, plasma or any blood product transfusion(s)
· Has not been pregnant
· Not on any medications
· Not fed a raw food diet
· Up to date with vaccinations and flea/worming preventatives
Blood donor criteria for cats:
· Over 5kg
· Between 1-8 years old
· Has no known health problems or medical conditions previously and currently
· Has no known history of heart murmurs or seizures
· Has never received a blood, plasma or any blood product transfusion(s)
· Has not been pregnant
· Not on any medications
· Not fed a raw food diet
· Up to date with vaccinations and flea/worming preventatives
Clover recovering in ICU after surgery.
She has a high heart rate and is very dull with pale gums due to anaemia
Video of Mochi enjoying some chicken after the blood donation
Video of Clover enjoying chicken with her owners after her blood transfusion
