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from the recipient animal can result in
severe hemolytic transfusion reactions that
may even prove fatal in some instances.
Canine blood types:
Th ere are 8 major blood groups in dogs,
labeled as DEA (dog erythrocyte antigen)
1 to 8. Th e major antigens comprise of DEA
1.1 and DEA 1.2. Dogs can be positive for
either (not both) DEA 1.1 or 1.2 or are
negative for both. Only those dogs that
are DEA 1.1 and 1.2 negative are
susceptible to acute hemolytic transfusion
reactions as they don’t have naturally
occurring antibodies. In such cases, a
reaction is only visible once the dog has
been sensitized through exposure to
DEA 1.1 or 1.2 positive blood (antibody
production takes 7-10 days aft er exposure).
Th e average lifespan of compatible
transfused erythrocytes is about 21 days
in dogs.
Selecting the right donor
Whole blood is collected from a donor
animal for blood transfusion purposes into
a blood bag containing citrate phosphate
dextrose as the anticoagulant. Donor
animals should be selected with care, and
strict attention should be paid to the blood
collection technique to maintain sterility
at all times. You can use a single blood
transfusion bag in cases that only require
the collection of whole blood. Double,
triple and quadruple blood bags can be
used to produce and separate components
within a germ-free closed environment.
A major problem that arises with
blood transfusion is fi nding a reliable
donor animal. Many private veterinary
practitioners may use their own animals
or donors or provide a list of outpatient
donors. However, the high cost associated
with blood transfusions makes it a viable
option only for private veterinary clinics
or hospitals.
It is essential to ensure that their donor
animals are healthy and have normal
hemograms, biochemical panels, fecal
examinations and urinalysis. Th ey must be
fully vaccinated and checked for a variety
of infectious diseases such as Babesia,
Ehrlichia and Toxoplasma. 
Th ey should also be heartworm negative
and on heartworm preventive medication.
Large-breed animals are oft en preferred
to their smaller counterparts as large
amounts of blood can be drawn from
them by administering minimal sedation.
Th e Mughal Hound and Rajapalayam
breeds are the most commonly used blood
donors. It is recommended to blood type
all preferred donors. Th e best canine blood
donors are DEA 1.1, 1.2, and 7 negative.
Blood Collection technique
Commercially available human blood
collection bags can be used for blood
donation in dogs. Th ese bags have the
capacity of collecting up to 450 ml of
blood. Th e aseptic technique should be
used while collecting blood from donor
animals. Th is means that the site should
be clipped, surgically scrubbed and sterile
gloves worn during the process of blood
collection. Th e jugular vein is the most
common site used for donation in all
animals. Vein puncture should be clean
with rapid blood fl ow to minimize platelet
activation. Aft er collection, direct pressure
should be applied to the site to attain
homeostasis. In some cases mild vacuum
pressure may be applied to facilitate blood
collection. Sedation should be avoided if
possible, particularly if the blood is to be
used for platelets. However, under certain
circumstances, general anesthesia may be
required which appears to have little eff ect
on the quality of the blood product. Th e
blood should be immediately refrigerated
and stored in the refrigerator until further
use for transfusion or separation into
components.
Adverse reactions
Transfusion reactions are divided into
two categories: immunological and non-
A major problem that arises with blood transfusion is fi nding a
reliable donor animal. Many private veterinary practitioners may use
their own animals or donors or provide a list of outpatient donors
May 2019 • Vol. XII • Issue 5 • Noida
33
| Creature Companion