Whole blood (WB) is the preferred product for resuscitation of severe hemorrhagic shock in an MWD. Canine WB contains a biologically balanced ratio of all canine blood products and, as such, is the product most likely to restore effective circulating volume and oxygen carrying capacity while preventing coagulation alterations. Any MWD that requires a transfusion subsequent to trauma-induced hemorrhage should receive WB as the product of choice when available.  

The primary blood group classification of clinical significance for transfusion in MWDs is based on the dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) system. Although approximately 13 antigen specificities have been identified, only the DEA 1 system (particularly DEA 1.1) is of most concern due to its high degree of antigenicity and ability to result in an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Naturally occurring anti-DEA 1 alloantibodies associated with acute hemolysis (< 24 hours post-transfusion) are not present in canines; therefore, a cross match prior to a MWD’s first transfusion is generally not necessary in a naïve recipient.17

Note: Transfusion of DEA 1-positive blood to a DEA 1-negative MWD will cause the recipient to develop antibodies against the DEA 1 positive antigen; this places the MWD at risk for future transfusion reactions.

To mitigate the risk of a potential transfusion reaction, the recipient’s blood type and previous transfusion history should always be confirmed prior to any transfusion. A crossmatch compatibility should be done for any MWD that has received a previous transfusion ≥3 days prior to their next transfusion or if previous transfusion history cannot be confirmed. See below section on typing and cross matching.

 

HANDLING/STORAGE

 

DOSAGE

  

ADMINISTRATION