Canine Blood Types

At least eight diffrent blood types have been identified in the canine species. Some experts believe there are around 12 diffent blood types. Dog erythrocytes antigens (DEA) are determinded by the different proteins and complex carbohydrates located on the cell membranes of the red blood cells . Blood types include 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and any one dog can have one or all antigens. This is why it is so important to type the recipient. Using the Alvedia Qtest, this is done within two minutes in any clinical setting. The Qtest is still accurate even in the presences of agglutination and severe anemia. The cards are designed to identify the 1.1 antigen, which is the most concerning. For the clinic situation, canine blood types are broken down into just two simple groups, A negative(A-) and A positive (A+). The A- group is also termed "universal" this blood can be given to any canine. The chances of it causing a transfusion reaction are virtually non-existent. These cards are not to determine the blood type of the donor, but to determine if the recipient is DEA 1.1 positive. A+ recipient should receive A+ blood. Therefore the A- blood can be reserved for the true A- recipients and the trauma cases when there is no time to type an animal.

Feline Blood Types

Cats have naturally occurring alloantibodies to the other blood groups even without prior tranfusion. Therefore, typing cats is extremly important and if not done, can lead to an almost instant fatallity. There are only three blood types in the feline population. A, B, AB. Most cats in the US are Type A. If Type A blood is given to a Type B recipient, even the first time will result in a severe life-threatening hemolytic transfusion reaction. If Type B blood is given to a Type A recipient, it will not cause the life-threatening situation, but may shorten the life span of the RBC.

Preparing to adminster Fresh Frozen Plasma

Always thaw the plasma inside the box it arrives in, in a warm water bath at 37c, DO NOT MICROWAVE. The bags are extremely fragile and if tossed around can crack contaminating the plasma. Studies show that administering plasma to a hypothermic patient will actually inactivate the enzymes necessary for the initiating the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation cascade. Therefore; be sure your patient is normothermic. The general dose is 10-30 mls/kg. Always complete the transfusion within 4 hours and always use sterile technique when hooking up a system. Blood products are an excellent medium for bacteria growth. With any blood product, use a blood adminstration set with at least 170 micron filter. This will filter out any aggregates or fibrin debris.

Preparation on Packing Red Blood Cells

Warm the blood to room temperature before the tranfusion. Do not exceed 38C, this will cause hemoolysis. Use an administration set with a filter of at least 170 microns to remove micro clots and debris such as white blood cells, fat and micro aggregates of platelets. If the transfusion is too slow, then check the filter, chances are it is clogged. Do not force the red blood cells through the filter as it will cause hemoylsis. Change the filter, or get a new administration line. During administration, do not use with Lactated ringer solutions which can cause coagulation to occur. Do not use 5% dextrose, osmolarity difference will cause hemolysis. Only 0.9% saline can be administer in the same line. Use sterile technique when connecting and disconnecting the administration line at the catheter site. The administration set should be replaced every 4 hours when a patient is receiving multiple transfusions. Always rock gently, handling the product roughly can also result in hemolysis.