Catherina texted me this morning saying she was driving down from Melaka with Jackie. Jackie has Hemobart and four antibiotics prescribed by her vets have apparently been not effective. Jackie has just deteriorated throughout the entire month.
At UPM, Catherina was advised to have cats ready for blood transfusion, so Cath went back to get her other two cats, Bunny and Elmo, as blood donors.
Presently, Jackie, Bunny and Elmo are admitted in UPM, awaiting blood test results for Jackie. Should Jackie require blood tranfusion, we hope Bunny and Elmo’s blood can match.
Just in case Jackie needs more blood, would anyone be able to offer their cats? This is just in case, as standby.
We empathise with Catherina and wish we could help more. Jackie has not been well for a month now. Hemobart, as I understand, is caused by parasites, transmitted by fleas, ticks or mosquitoes.
Catherina has asked for our prayers for Jackie.
Please pray for Jackie.
Updates at 6.19pm – I’ve just consulted our vets, and they will put their blood donor cat, Junior, on standby, should Jackie need more blood. Currently, Cath says UPM is doing blood-matching on Bunny and Elmo, for Jackie. The bill today is already RM600. We have pledged a subsidy to help Catherina and Jackie.
As a reply to a comment here, the criteria for blood donors depends on the vet, the hospital and the case.
In general, the criteria would be:
1. Not FIV or FeLV positive.
2. Above 2.5kg.
3. Vaccinated.
4. Of general good health.
Some clinics have more stringent criteria, inclusive of being male (they are generally bigger) and the minimum weight requirement may differ.
UPM, being a teaching hospital, is expected to have stricter criteria.
I have conveyed our vet’s offer of Junior as a blood donor to Catherina.
Meanwhile, Catherina is very worried about Jackie, and also Bunny and Elmo being in a new environment. Bunny and Elmo have to be hospitalised as well because of the blood-matching. Blood-matching as a procedure for blood donation may not be necessary for certain illnesses and for a first-time recipient, but this again, depends on the case.
Please pray for everyone to be well and strong.
Comments
3 responses to “Jackie is admitted in UPM vet hospital (Catherina Tay’s)”
What is the criteria of being a cat blood donor?
It all depends on the vet and the hospital. As far as I know, some standard criteria would be:
1. Not FIV or FeLV positive.
2. Above 2.5kg.
3. Vaccinated.
4. Generally healthy.
Some hospitals and vets are more strict with the criteria.
Jackie is at UPM, and being a teaching hospital, they would have stricter protocols.
UPM's criteria for a cat blood donor is:
1. Not FIV/FELV positive;
2. Above 4 kgs;
3. Vaccinated;
4. Above 2 years of age;
5. Healthy.
Blood matching on Bunny and Elmo shows that their blood is suitable and can be donated to Jackie anytime in case she needs it.
As per the vet, cat blood once withdrawn can only be kept for 2 days.
I am very thankful to Bunny and Elmo as they were there to help. Jackie is actually their cousin sister. But at the same time I feel guilty and sorry for Bunny and Elmo as I have not asked for their permission 1st to become a blood donor. It is surely painful when the vet withdrawed their blood from the neck for the cross matching. Thank you Bunny and Elmo. Both of you are my hero.