20/09/2025
✨ Blood Transfusions ✨
Blood transfusions can be truly life saving for some of our equine patients.
At Donnington Grove, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful group of donor horses, kindly volunteered by our staff and clients.
Horses and foals may need a transfusion for a number of reasons, including Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI), severe blood loss (such as from trauma or surgery), or an underlying medical condition.
Blood is carefully collected from a healthy donor into a sterile collection bag, before being transfused directly into the recipient. Each donation can provide several litres of blood which is enough to make a real difference to a critically ill patient.
Meet some of our most recent equine heroes 🐴
🌟 Parker – One of our most regular donors! A 21 year old retired high-level showjumper, Parker lives just 4 minutes from the hospital with our Medicine Care Assistant, Lisa. He is now thoroughly enjoying his retirement being pampered by Lisa.
🌟 Cleo – Also owned by Lisa, Cleo is an 8 year old rescue pony who now enjoys a pampered life. She’s also an expert at growing a very impressive winter moustache!
🌟 Harley – A 12 year old Irish Sport Horse owned by our receptionist Holly. Known for his cheeky personality, distinctive shoulder birthmark, and love of jumping, Harley enjoys eventing with Holly when she’s not in the office.
🌟 Doug – At 17, Doug is a true all-rounder who especially loves hacking across the Ridgeway. He’s a much loved mother–daughter share and even came to the rescue for us in the middle of the night!
🌟 James – Standing at 21 hands, James is a Belgian Draft and a true gentle giant. At just 8 years old, he already shines in ploughing competitions and is as kind as he is impressive.
We’re so grateful to our incredible donors and their generous owners — without them, these life saving transfusions wouldn’t be possible.
🩵💚
