MADELAINE the fox terrier would not be here today ? were it not for the heroic generosity of Burt, a brown, German wire-haired pointer, and his owner Sarah Clarke. Four-year-old Madelaine was taken to Okeford veterinary practice in April with life-threatening anaemia. Veterinary nurse Jane Jones said: ?This meant that her blood did not have enough red blood cells in it, which are vital to carry oxygen around her body. ?In fact, her red blood cell levels were so low that she needed an emergency blood transfusion just to keep her alive while tests were run to find out what was wrong.? That was where Burt came to the rescue, donating 300ml of his blood ? which was just enough to keep Madelaine?s red blood cell numbers at a safe level while a bone marrow sample could be taken from her and assessed. She was found to be suffering from a rare bone marrow disorder called Myelofibrosis, which meant she wasn?t producing red blood cells properly. The story has a happy ending ? now that her condition has been identified, Madelaine is responding well to treatment and has been voted as Okeford?s ?braveheart of the month?, while Burt also now has hero status. Okeford is appealing for the owners of strong, healthy cats and dogs to allow their pets to be registered, like Burt, as potential blood donors ? or another Madelaine might not be so lucky. Jane Jones said: ?A blood donor dog or cat has to be one that is fit and healthy, big enough to cope with the blood loss, and who will lie quietly while the donation is collected.? If you think that your dog or cat might be able to help save the life of another animal, please get in touch with the staff at Okeford on 01837 52148 so that their details can be added to the practice?s register.
