Blood transfusion between dogs helps save one pooch

George the golden retriever didn't know he would be saving a life when he woke up Monday morning in his Humane Society kennel.

The 2 1/2-year-old golden retriever happened to be a good match in weight for Jake, a patient at Cape Small Animal Clinic who needed a blood transfusion. Jake's owner, John Davis, brought him in to the clinic because he was pale, lethargic and hadn't been eating for a few days.

Upon examination, Dr. John Koch noted that the Australian shepherd had internal bleeding and a palpable abdominal mass confirmed by radiographs. After seeing results of the blood work, Koch realized the dog was anemic and might not survive surgery if a blood transfusion was not done.

"Jake's spleen, regularly the size of a thick pancake, 6 to 8 inches long, was the size of a volleyball," Koch said.

The mass is being evaluated and although cancer is a possibility, Koch said it has a treatable option.

Time was a major factor in Jake's survival. "A large part of what helped this dog is a result of cooperation with the Humane Society," Koch said. Jake, 8 years old, is considered middle-aged for his breed, with a life expectancy of 14 years.

Sue Sample, Humane Society and Cape Small Animal Clinic office manager, served as a liaison between both offices. Once she knew Koch needed a transfusion for Jake, she called Humane Society director Cheryle Dillon to see if they had a good candidate.

"Most of the time you can give one transfusion to a dog without worry," Koch said.

There are two blood types in dogs and although the process of cross-matching can be done, it is not simple. Blood-type testing is not readily available, and when a dog's survival is up against the clock, a transfusion is carried out.

Jake's surgery was Tuesday. "Jake left prancing and dancing," Koch said.

George is still at the clinic where he will have a few days' recovery before being neutered. The neutering, paid for by Davis, is part of the agreement for George's help in saving Jake's life.

Dillon said George is now in the process of being adopted.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133