This is the story of Riley, the cat that would have ended up in an SPCA incinerator.

Riley is a little Persian kitty from the Nanaimo SPCA, who tested positive on a FeLeuk test run by the Central Lab with the blood draw being done by a local Nanaimo veterinary clinic. I was desperately trying to find a home for him last week. The wonderful, amazing Orphan Kitten Rescue in Vancouver volunteered to take him nontheless.

When I got my copy of the lab test results there was a note at the top of the page to say that the blood sample was "grossly hemolyzed." This means that something had gone badly wrong at the vet clinic with the blood draw, either during the draw itself or with the treatment of the blood subsequently. This affects results on the FeLeuk test and other tests.

I was advised by many people to redo the test. So we took Riley to wonderful Dr. Grey in Duncan, a long trip for us, but worth every cent. He did both the SNAP test and an IFA test.

Riley is negative for feline leukemia!

I am so pleased that we did not follow the recommendation made by both the SPCA and the local vet to euthanise him immediately. We are so grateful to Dr. Grey and all the vets and chemists who advised that he be retested.

If you ever see the words SAMPLE GROSSLY HEMOLYSED at the top of a report, sit up and take notice.

The results could be just as catastrophic as Riley's results could have been. Right now he's snuggled up on a bed. Better than in the Parksville Incinerator.