A donkey on the Isle of Wight has survived after receiving two life-saving blood transfusions, a rare procedure for the species. Theo, a 16-year-old donkey, was diagnosed with colic, a painful and potentially fatal stomach condition, by the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.
Rushed to Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire, Theo underwent emergency surgery to remove about 30cm of damaged intestine. However, his condition deteriorated, requiring a plasma transfusion. Three sanctuary donkeys—Major, Thomas, and Eiffion—donated blood, which was driven to the hospital.
After a temporary improvement, Theo worsened and needed a second operation to remove part of his colon. Another transfusion was required, and sanctuary volunteers accompanied two more donkeys, Trevor and Leighton, across the Solent to donate blood. The second transfusion proved successful, and Theo began to recover, taking short walks and eating grass.
Julia Newton, Head of Animal Welfare at the sanctuary, described the donor donkeys as “heroes,” noting the process had minimal impact on them. “It was touch-and-go at one point and we were expecting the worst,” she said. Theo returned to the Isle of Wight on Thursday and is receiving aftercare. Newton added that his “personality was coming through,” calling him “a little terror” for stealing food from other donkeys.
The sanctuary said Theo can expect a happy life with a managed diet, despite the loss of part of his colon and intestine. His previous owners signed him over two weeks before the surgery after discovering he was unwell.
