Published: 16 Jun 2020 | Last Updated: 16 Jun 2020 11:51:10

Blood donations from the superhero cats and dogs at the RVC are used for transfusions for critically ill pets. Blood products are not just used for transfusions however, they are also used in ophthalmology – treatment of eye disorders and diseases.

When a dog or cat donates blood, serum is taken from the blood product and can be used to treat a variety of diseases, infections and disorders in the eye, such as corneal ulcers. Corneal ulcers are very common in cats and dogs, and serum eye drops are an essential part of the treatment given to them. The serum from our generous blood donors is vital to allow the Ophthalmology department to continue to help to save the vision of patients.

Nesto’s corneal ulcer
Nesto was referred to the RVC Small Animal Referrals Hospital as an emergency when his right eye suddenly became very cloudy and painful. On examination, he was nearly blind in this eye. He was diagnosed with an ulcer (missing tissue) in the centre of his cornea, which was found to be infected with bacteria. The infection had set up severe inflammation inside the eye. The cornea is the like the ‘windscreen’ of the eye and is supposed to be transparent to permit light into the eye.

Short-nose animals, such as pugs, Bulldogs, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are unfortunately at high risk of developing corneal diseases, as their large, prominent eyes can easily be traumatised, and they often have a poor tear production contributing to an unhealthy surface of the eye. Once the surface of the cornea is broken, the bacteria can enter into the cornea. The bacteria can produce chemicals called collagenases that eat away the cornea – this process is described as corneal melting.

For Nesto, the RVC team used serum from a blood donor to help treat the ulcer. Serum contains anti-collagenases that help halt the melting process and stabilise the cornea. Left untreated, this ulcer would have quickly become deeper until the eye would have need to be saved with a surgery. Alongside antibiotics treatment, the infection was controlled and Nesto’s cornea healed within one week. A month later Nesto’s vision was back to normal, and his eye was completely healed, only a small scar was left.

Thanks to your help we are able to improve the treatment and care of animals through clinical practice, education and research. Please donate to our ongoing work and make a difference to the thousands of pets and animals cared for each year.