Blood Transfusion In Animal
Blood transfusions are an often life-saving measure in pets, just like in humans. However, just like with humans, they must be carried out in a precise and safe manner by experienced doctors and technicians.
The AniHealHospital veterinarians and assistants have the requisite skills and training necessary to correctly administer blood transfusions to your pets, making sure that they receive the highest standard of care available.
Blood transfusions are typically used when there is excessive internal or external bleeding which may be caused by a variety of factors including injury or surgical complications, and it must be kept in mind that transfusions may lead to increased risks of infection or immune reactions.
Prior to transfusion, blood must be typed and cross-matched to minimize the risk of rejection or any adverse reaction. Typing and cross-matching of blood are species-dependent and are carried out using advanced technology after obtaining complete medical histories of both the recipient and any potential donor.
In dogs, there are 5 blood groups, DEA 1.1, DEA 1.2, DEA 3, DEA 5, and DEA 7. Blood group DEA 1.1 negative is a universal donor. Cats have no universal donor blood type and have three typical blood groups: A, which is most common, B, and AB, which is the least common.
To qualify as a potential donor, pets must undergo basic screening which includes a physical exam, appropriate age, no history of receiving transfusions or of pregnancy, disease-free blood, and a friendly temperament.
Blood is collected from the jugular of the donor animal and administered at the appropriate rate for the patient based on various continuously monitored factors including age, weight, and overall health of the recipient.
