A PORT Seton pooch has been hailed a lifesaver after her blood was used to save a desperately ill dog who lived 228 miles away.

Ishka, a three-year-old Labrador cross, is a registered donor with the Pet Blood Bank UK (PBB) and has given blood to them four times in her young life.

And she has been praised after her blood was used to save the life of a Border collie who developed a sudden immune deficiency and needed a transfusion of red blood cells to survive.

Ishka’s owner Carol McWatt said she was delighted when the blood bank contacted her to say Ishka had saved Border collie Casey’s life.

Carol is a volunteer puppy walker for Guide Dogs for the Blind and adopted Ishka, who she puppy walked, after she was withdrawn from the scheme.

She said: “We were so pleased to hear that Ishka’s donation had helped save another dog’s life.

“When we heard about Casey it all felt a bit surreal as we see the whole donation process as pretty day-to-day really. It’s when you are told about situations like this that you are reminded of just how important donations are.”

Casey, who lives in Halifax, Yorkshire, became unwell after cutting her paw while out for a walk with her owner and the family’s other dog.

Within a few days her condition had deteriorated and she was admitted to Liverpool University Veterinary Hospital, where she was diagnosed with immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), a disease which meant that her body was attacking its own healthy red blood cells.

Alongside other treatment, Casey needed a blood transfusion with blood provided by the PBB charity.

Frances Wright, Casey’s owner, said: “Without PBB and their donors, I wouldn’t have Casey by my side today.

“She needed the blood to boost her recovery but even after this we needed 10 months of specialist care to treat this awful disease.

“Casey is now doing really, really well. She was always precious but with everything that has happened she is now even more precious.

“We will be eternally grateful for the service PBB provide and to Casey’s donor.”

Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the only charity of its kind that provides a canine blood bank service for all veterinary practitioners across the UK.

Just like the human blood service, it collects blood from canine donors at organised donation sessions nationwide, on average four to five sessions a week.

The blood is then processed into packed red blood cells and fresh plasma, and delivered to veterinary practices when they need it most.

Every unit of blood collected can help save four dogs’ lives.

PBB was able to track Casey’s transfusion to Ishka and pass on the news.

Ishka’s owner Carol, who lives on Cedar Drive, urged other pet owners to consider registering their dogs as potential donors to help others in the future.

She said: “Registering your dog as a potential donor is so worthwhile. The PBB staff are so helpful and good with the dogs, always ensuring that the donor is happy and relaxed in the donation process. It’s such a positive experience so please go online and register as I did with Ishka.

“Ishka is very placid but a smart cookie. The minute she gets to the donation session she knows she will be spoilt with treats and fusses.

“We’re going back for her fifth donation in October.”