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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
For veterinary student Jade, life changed overnight when she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The condition, which causes sudden drops in blood pressure, a racing heartbeat, and frequent fainting, forced her to leave university and adapt to a life where even the simplest activities carried risk.
But everything changed when she was matched with Jules, a fox red Labrador trained by Medical Detection Dogs as a medical alert assistance dog.
“Before Jules, I was collapsing multiple times a day,” Jade shared on The Consult Room podcast. “It wasn’t safe to leave the house alone. Now, Jules gives me two to five minutes’ warning before an episode. That’s enough time to get somewhere safe. He’s completely transformed my independence.”
Living with POTS: The Impact on Daily Life
POTS affects the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and heart rate, leaving people dizzy, lightheaded and at risk of fainting – sometimes without warning. For Jade, this meant:
- Having to give up driving
- Missing out on social events and placements
- Struggling to continue her studies at veterinary school
The physical toll was difficult enough, but the emotional impact was just as challenging. “I lost my independence and my confidence. I didn’t know if I’d ever finish my degree,” Jade said.
How Assistance Dogs Save Lives
Jules is no ordinary dog. He’s trained to detect the changes in Jade’s body before she collapses, nudging her to find a safe place to sit or lie down. This early warning has dramatically reduced her injuries from falls and allowed her to get back to the activities she loves.
Assistance dogs like Jules can also:
- Alert carers or call emergency help
- Retrieve vital medication
- Provide comfort and reduce anxiety
Jade’s story is a powerful example of how medical detection dogs offer more than safety, they restore independence and hope.
Returning to Veterinary School
Thanks to Jules, Jade has been able to return to vet school and complete her training. She’s now preparing for her final exams and looking forward to the career she thought she’d lost.
“I wouldn’t be here without Jules,” she explained. “He’s more than a lifeline – he’s my partner. Having him has made me believe in my future again.”
Raising Awareness of Assistance Dogs
Medical Detection Dogs is a UK-based charity that trains dogs to assist people with conditions like POTS, diabetes, epilepsy, and severe allergies. Their work not only saves lives but helps people regain their independence and dignity.
To find out more about the charity or how you can support their work, visit: Medical Detection Dogs.
Listen to the Full Conversation
This blog only scratches the surface of Jade’s inspiring journey. You can hear the full episode on:
- 🎧 Spotify
- 🍎 Apple Podcasts
- ▶️ YouTube
