TWO West Devon dogs are officially now ‘blood brothers’ after Jimmy, the labrador, helped save the life of his new pal, Teddy, the cocker spaniel.

The nine-year-old cocker spaniel was in desperate need of a blood transfusion after being diagnosed with a serious health condition earlier this year.

In a critical state, vets were unsure whether little Teddy would pull through. But, thanks to Jimmy,who came to the rescue by giving a vital blood transfusion, Teddy survived.

It was sixth months after Teddy had a lump removed when his owner, Mrs Whalley noticed he was bleeding from his ear. Teddy was taken urgently to Okeford Veterinary Centre.

Blood samples were then taken and Teddy was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, a very serious condition that sees the lack of platelets in the blood reducing the ability of the blood to clot.

Vets had to sedate Teddy in order to identify the source of the internal bleeding before they managed to stop it. However, the following day Teddy’s condition worsened, which meant he needed a blood transfusion in order to survive.

Luckily, Okeford Veterinary Centre receptionist, Elaine Hill allowed vets to use her seven- year-old Labrador as a blood donor to save Teddy’s life.

Elaine said, ‘As a healthy dog under 25 kilos and less than eight-years-old Jimmy made an ideal match.’

Thanks to Jimmy, Elaine and the rest of the staff at Okeford Veterinary Centre the transfusion was a complete success and little Teddy’s life was saved.

As a reward for his bravery, good-natured Jimmy received an extra breakfast which he thoroughly enjoyed.

As for Teddy, he received the Braveheart Award from Okeford Veterinary Centre for his strength and bravery during his ordeal. He has since responded well to treatment, and goes for regular check-ups and blood samples to ensure that he remains healthy, and hopefully he will soon be off his medications for good.

Newly found blood brothers, Teddy and Jimmy were reunited at Okeford Veterinary Centre on Monday, and it is safe to say that this is a friendship for life.

l Pictured right are Elaine Hill with her dog Jimmy, who was the blood donor for Teddy on the right, with his owner Tony Whalley and practice nurse Hannah Hawes, centre.

Picture by James Bird