Canine blood donor from Edinburgh helps save the life of a sick dog

Andrew, a seven-year-old Golden retriever, has been hailed as a hero after his blood donation allowed a seriously sick dog to undergo a life-saving operation.

Andrew, a seven-year-old golden retriever, has helped save the life of a fellow canine.

Similar to people, sick and injured dogs often need blood transfusions when undergoing surgery or if they have conditions such as anaemia.

Veterinary surgeons rely on canine blood donations to be able to carry out life treatments on seriously sick dogs.

Understanding the importance of dog donors Andrew’s owners Annette and Tony Mundy from South Queensferry signed up their pooch for donations at Westport Veterinary Clinic.

Murphy, a 12-year-old crossbreed, required emergency surgery due to a ruptured spleen.

Last month they received a call from the clinic informing them that there was a critically ill dog who needed emergency treatment.

Murphy, a 12-year-old crossbreed, required an immediate splenectomy, a type of emergency surgery to remove his spleen due to a ruptured spleen.

Mr and Mrs Mundy rushed their pooch straight to the clinic where Andrew donated blood allowing Murphy to receive a slow blood transfusion before surgery was performed.

Veterinary Surgeon Sam Hillier said: "Due to a slow abdominal bleed on arrival Murphys Red Blood Cell count was so low that it couldn't even be read on one of our machines, so we had to check it another way.

Andrew has received a Canine Hero Award to thank him for his donation.

“Without Andrew and the blood transfusion Murphy would have almost certainly passed away during the emergency splenectomy surgery.

"However the blood transfusion gave Murphy the boost he needed and came through the surgery well.”

Andrew has received a Canine Hero Award, alongside treats and toys, to thank him for his donation.

Nicola MacPhee, one of the Westport Vet nursing team, who was with Andrew during his donation said Andrew was a 'pro'.

“He had clearly done this before because he came straight for the biscuits” Ms Macphee said: “ I'm sure he gave a couple of snores during donation lying on the table. He left wagging his tail with a belly full of biscuits.”

Murphy's owner, Cherylin Taylor has thanked Andrew and his owners for helping save her dog’s life.

Ms Taylor said: “Our Murphy means the world to us. We can’t thank you enough for saving Murphy’s life! We will be forever grateful.”

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