Hound's blood donation ensures pet Poodle makes full recovery

Harrison, a Worcestershire Hunt hound, recently became the ultimate hero when asked by a local veterinary practice to donate blood for an emergency procedure.

Chloe the pet Poodle is making a full recovery thanks to the life-saving blood transfusion from the working hound that took place in mid-June. The blood transfusion is supporting Chloe's blood to make its own red blood cells again and, to save her life, it provided sufficient red blood cells when Chloe's body was unable to produce her own.

According to Kirsty Kane, Head Veterinary Nurse and co-ordinator of the blood donation clinic at Henwick Veterinary Practice that performed the incredible emergency procedure, the practice performs, on average, one blood transfusion every couple of months.

Kirsty appreciates the relationship Henwick Vets shares with the Worcestershire Hunt, citing the importance for emergencies: "We are grateful to have this beneficial relationship and local resource with the hunt. We have been able to work with the Worcestershire hounds for many years, helping to save countless pets' lives."

There are strict criteria for canine blood donations, meaning not all dogs are suitable. Criteria includes: Dogs must be over 25 kg, fully vaccinated, good temperament and well-handled, in fit condition and never to have travelled abroad.

All these criteria make the working hound an ideal donor, and Kirsty agrees: "Hounds are perfect donors as they are placid, very well-handled and used to different environments. In addition to meeting the criteria for blood donors, we find hounds are physically fit and very healthy, making their blood donations ideal for our emergency requirements."

Mrs Julia Clarke, Chloe's owner, expressed her gratitude to both Harrison and the staff at Henwick Vets: "The immediate diagnosis and expert care given to Chloe was exceptional. I was informed that this treatment should work quickly and within a couple hours Chloe was transformed back to her old self. We went to visit Harrison and his pack to show our thanks and were so impressed with their friendliness and wonderful nature. Our whole family clapped for Harrison at 8pm – he is our hero!"

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, praised the hunt for assisting in this way in their local community: "It is wonderful that the high standards of hound welfare and the physical fitness of working packs of hounds has been recognised by local veterinary experts who have called upon the Worcestershire hounds to assist in this way. We are delighted to learn of the inspirational work being conducted by Henwick Veterinary Practice and we are glad that Chloe is recovering so well."

Adrian Ward, joint-master of the Worcestershire Hunt said: "The Henwick vets offer us great support with looking after our hounds so we are always very happy to help out when we can and we are pleased to hear that Chloe is making a good recovery."

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