Canine Transfusion Therapy - Blood Compatibility Testing Considering New Kits and Blood Types
Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Keynote Message
Blood transfusions have become an integral part in the support of anemic and bleeding. Veterinary clinicians and clinical pathologists play a key role in providing safe and effective transfusion therapy. Blood typing is clinically important to ensure blood compatibility and therefore is recommended for any dog in need of a transfusion or considered to become a blood donor. Dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 is considered the main blood group system with DEA 1- and weakly to strongly DEA 1+ dogs. Other typing is done on a more limited basis for DEA 3, 4, 5, & 7 and the more recently identified antigens Dal and Kai 1 & 2. The presence and clinically importance of naturally occurring anti-DEA 7alloantibodies is being debated. However, all previously transfused dogs also should be crossmatched. Clinically acute haemolytic transfusion reactions have only been observed in previously transfused dogs and related to DEA 1, 4 and Dal. Simple and accurate typing and crossmatch kits are available to assure blood compatibility and are the focus of this presentation.
Key References
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2. Giger U. Blood typing and crossmatching to ensure blood compatibility. In: Bonagura JD, Twedt DC, eds. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy. XV ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders;2014: Web Chapter 26:143.
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