Six-month-old Cookie was surrendered to Oregon Humane Society 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
OHS Salem Veterinary 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?
