When two-year-old Dalmatian Ghost was struck by a car, his life changed in an instant. Thanks to the quick actions of our emergency service team and the generosity of a very special blood donor, Ghost is now on the road to recovery. Here’s a look into his remarkable story.

The Emergency: A Life in the Balance

Ghost arrived at our Mission hospital through the emergency service in critical condition and showing signs of shock. Our ER veterinarian, Dr. Molly Roenne, and her team immediately sprang into action. Ghost was triaged, and an IV catheter was placed to administer pain medication and stabilize him. Diagnostic testing revealed the full extent of his injuries: fractured ribs and a traumatic hemoabdomen—a life-threatening condition involving blood in the abdomen.

Faced with this serious diagnosis, the team made a swift decision to begin autotransfusions, a procedure that uses the patient’s own blood rather than donor blood to stabilize them. After multiple autotransfusions, it became clear that Ghost required additional blood to survive.

A Heroic Blood Donor Steps In

Enter Mr. Moose, Dr. Roenne’s own dog and a seasoned canine blood donor. Moose’s calm demeanor and a lifetime of donations made him the perfect candidate to help Ghost in his time of need. That day, Moose donated the blood that would ultimately save Ghost’s life.

The emergency team performed a life-saving blood transfusion, giving Ghost the vital support he needed to begin his recovery. After hours of meticulous care and multiple transfusions, Ghost started showing signs of improvement—a testament to the expertise and dedication of our team.

The Road to Recovery

Ghost spent several days in our hospital, receiving round-the-clock care and monitoring. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our staff and Moose’s selfless donation, Ghost was eventually stable enough to return home with his loving family. While his recovery journey is ongoing, Ghost is making remarkable progress, and his future looks bright.

A Heartwarming Meeting

The story doesn’t end there. Ghost and Moose had the opportunity to meet, creating a heartwarming moment that perfectly captured the spirit of teamwork and compassion that defines our hospital.

Join Us in Celebrating Ghost and Moose

Ghost’s story is a reminder of the importance of emergency veterinary care, advanced procedures like autotransfusions, and the role of canine blood donors in saving lives. We’re incredibly grateful to have been part of Ghost’s journey and to witness the special bond between pets and their caregivers.

Please join us in wishing Ghost a speedy recovery and giving Moose a big round of applause for a job well done!