Six-month-old Cookie was surrendered to Oregon Humane Salem Campus in desperate need of medical care.
Lead veterinarian, Dr. Sara Livesay, performed her exam and noticed that Cookie had pale gums – a common indicator of anemia. After performing a packed cell volume (PCV) test, the results showed her red blood cell count was dangerously low. A normal cat’s PCV would be between 25%-40%, but Cookie’s was just 8%. She needed immediate medical intervention to survive.
Cookie Gets a Sweet Deal
The veterinary team knew that Cookie needed something they could not give – but they knew who could. Staff quickly identified a feline blood donor named Shaw. Kristina Zych, Certified Veterinary Technician, recalls, “Shaw was a perfect match. Cookie received a blood transfusion the very next day and her PCV was almost back to normal.”
Cookie is currently in foster care recovering from her lifesaving procedure. Shaw, the 10-month-old hero donor has been adopted into a loving home.
Expanding Care for Pets in Salem
Oregon Humane Salem Spay & Neuter Clinic is doing extraordinary work to save the lives of pets every day. Our Digital Radiology Campaign is currently raising critical funds to build a radiology room at our Salem Clinic. Currently, pets at our Salem shelter who require x-rays must be transferred to our Portland Campus, delaying treatment time. Digital radiology will enable our Salem medical team to perform more comprehensive diagnostics on-site, including x-rays and dental procedures.
Can you make a lifesaving gift for pets like Cookie?
