Blood and Plasma Transfusions

In order to treat acute or chronic anemias, acute hemolysis, or bleeding, blood transfusions are frequently required.

Blood and Plasma Transfusions

Blood and Plasma Transfusions

In order to treat acute or chronic anemias, acute hemolysis, or bleeding, blood transfusions are frequently required. Animals with hemostatic illnesses may require repeated transfusions of whole blood, red cells, plasma, or platelets. Blood transfusions must be administered carefully because they could make the recipient’s condition worse.

Adults in good health who are avoiding parasitic infections like heartworm or other diseases spread by vectors by taking the appropriate medications should donate blood. In some species, donors shouldn’t have previously been pregnant and shouldn’t have received blood transfusions. Dog donors should be DEA 1 tested, and those who test positive should only be used for recipients who test positive as well.

In species where chemicals are present, donors and recipients should be typed to verify compatibility and reduce the danger of sensitization. Any cat should go through a major crossmatch before transfusion, even if it is the first time. For previously transfused dogs, the same holds true. The decision to transfuse RBCs should be based on the patient’s clinical symptoms rather than at a specific Hct.