Blood transfusion

In dogs, more than a dozen blood groups are distinguished.

The most significant is the Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA), which is found on the surface of red blood cells. DEA 1.1 positive dogs have this antigen on erythrocytes, while DEA 1.1 negative dogs do not. Dogs, unlike humans and cats, do not have natural alloantibodies to group antigens in their blood. These antibodies can arise from transfusion of group-incompatible blood and persist for a very long time.

In cats, we distinguish between blood types A, B and AB.

As already mentioned, cats naturally have alloantibodies to group antigens in their blood. Cats with blood group A have antibodies against B, cats with blood group B have antibodies against A, cats with group AB are the least numerous in the population. They do not have antibodies to group antigens.

Knowledge of blood groups before transfusion is necessary to ensure the safety of the veterinary procedure.

Due to the lack of natural alloantibodies to group antigens in dogs, the first transfusion is possible without prior determination of blood type. On the other hand, dogs that have had a blood transfusion at least once in their lives must, before proceeding to another transfusion, have their blood group determined and a cross-matching test performed to determine the serological compatibility between donor and recipient.

Cats, due to the presence of alloantibodies against group antigens, absolutely must have a specific blood type before the first transfusion.
Transfusion of blood incompatible with the group can be life-threatening for the recipient, so the veterinarian performs a cross-match test before transfusion.

In veterinary medicine, we use both whole blood and blood products.

Knowledge of the basic preparations is necessary to provide the best possible care. Products differ in blood cell content, clotting factors, protein content, etc. Depending on the situation, the doctor will select the appropriate preparation.

1. Whole fresh blood - has red blood cells, platelets, clotting factors and plasma proteins. It is considered fresh for 24 hours after collection. It is stored under refrigerated conditions.
2. Preserved whole blood - contains red blood cells and plasma proteins. Depending on the anticoagulant - preservative used, it is stored under refrigeration for 21-35 days.
3. Red cell concentrate - centrifuged whole blood and separated plasma. Stored under refrigeration for 21-35 days
4. Fresh-frozen plasma - the liquid part of blood devoid of cellular elements. It contains clotting factors, proteins, albumin and globulins. Stored under frozen conditions for 12 months.
5. Frozen plasma/preserved frozen plasma-contains vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, albumin and immunoglobulins. Stored under frozen conditions for up to 5 years.
6. Cryoprecipitate - frozen concentrate of plasma proteins and clotting factors. Stored under frozen conditions for 12 months
7. Serum - the liquid portion of blood devoid of cellular elements and clotting factors. Used in cases of antibody deficiency, in the treatment of certain infectious diseases.

Donors are necessary for the existence and proper functioning of the blood bank. Dogs and cats can safely donate blood every three weeks without compromising their health.

Dogs donating blood to a veterinary blood bank must be healthy, regularly dewormed, protected against external parasites and vaccinated against infectious diseases. They should be between 10 months and 7 years old and weigh at least 26 kg.

Donor cats should be between 10 months and 7 years old, weigh at least 4 kg and be regularly dewormed, protected against external parasites, vaccinated against infectious diseases. In addition, cats should be non-outdoor and free of FIV and FeLV.