Xenotransfusion of anemic cats with blood compatibility issues

Because of the natural occurrence of strong anti-A and varied anti-B alloantibodies, feline patients and blood donors are blood typed for the AB blood group system and/or crossmatched in order to assure blood type compatibility. Crossmatching is particularly indicated after prior transfusions but is not generally performed for a first transfusion. Transfusions are far less frequently performed in cats than in dogs for various reasons, including fewer clinical signs associated with anemia, fewer bleeding problems, the need to sedate donor cats, and difficulties in collecting and processing blood.

Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - September 30, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Clinical Pathology Source Type: research