Unfortunately, many pets and animals suffer from abuse or neglect by their owners, as was definitely the case with this 14-year-old terrier named Rascal that was found on Vancouver Island. The pup seemed to be completely covered in a layer of dirt, but vets and rescuers couldn’t believe their eyes when they realized it wasn’t dirt at all.
The dirt layers that had amassed on the fur of Rascal were actually tens of thousands of fleas nesting in his fur. The tiny fleas had spread all across Rascal’s body and were severely affecting his health. After washing him, the color of the water was noticeably and extremely brown due to the flea infestation.
“The most fleas I’ve seen and I’ve been in practice for almost 40 years,” veterinarian Ken Langelier from the Island Veterinarian Hospital said to CTV.
The doctor estimated that there were around 100,000 flees on his body and constantly leeching his blood, an incredible amount. Rascal himself looked lifeless which was understandable given the fact that the fleas were responsible for an 85 percent loss in red blood cells. If he didn’t get treated soon, Rascal would very likely pass away.
“When the fleas drink the blood and they go to the bathroom, they’re basically excreting digested blood,” the vet said. “Basically you’re seeing a sea of blood.”
Because Rascal’s blood cell levels had already dropped so severely, he wouldn’t be able to recover on his own. That’s when the vets at the Island Veterinarian Hospital were given a choice, to either put the dog down painlessly or try everything they could to perform a blood transfusion.
Thankfully, the veterinarian wasn’t planning on giving up anytime soon.
“I looked at this dog and said, ‘You’re not dying on my watch, baby.’”
A blood transfusion meant that the hospital would need to start looking for compatible blood, but one of the employees was actually the proud owner of a German Shepard that was a universal blood donor. The Shepard’s name was Katie and she was brought into the hospital for the blood transfer procedure for four hours.
The vet transferred 400 cc’s of blood and slowly but surely little Rascal started to get healthier, stronger and better again.
He got rid of the fleas and his blood levels were finally getting back to normal levels.
After the procedure, Rascal and Katie met and now have a truly special bond with each other. As for Rascal, he’s expected to make a full recovery and will be put up for adoption when he’s one hundred percent healthy. For now, Rascal is staying with new best friend Katie and doesn’t seem to mind at all.
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