Much like when humans have surgery there is a need for a blood transfusion and the same applies to our pets. Sadly though there is a shortage of pet blood donations and there is always the risk of rejection of the foreign blood by the patient. 

In 2019 Rumba funded a pioneering cell saver machine which has and continues to have a huge impact on when dogs undergoing surgery at AURA need blood transfusions. It is used when there is a high risk of blood loss and in effect allows any blood lost during surgery to be collected and transfused back into the patient. As the blood is from the patient, it can be delivered back at a rapid rate during surgery which can potentially accelerate recovery post-surgery.

It is now used on average 2-3 times per month and on 3.1% of all surgeries, rising to 11% when there is a high risk of blood loss. This innovative device has not only decreased the risk of surgery for pets with cancer but has led to three publications to date ensuring more vets learn about how it can be used in veterinary surgery ensuring more pets can benefit in future.