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Vet Speak
In general, treatment of transfusion reactions is symptomatic and
logical. Firstly, if a reaction develops, the transfusion should be stopped
immediately (in case of a severe reaction) or slowed (for milder reactions)
immunological. Th e most common
reactions to transfusions are fever, vomiting
and facial edema which are mild. More
severe reactions include intravascular
hemolysis, shock and dyspnea. Th e most
common type of reaction is fever, followed
by vomiting (mostly in dogs given packed
red blood cells). Allergic reactions may
also crop up in dogs given packed red
blood cells or plasma.
In general, treatment of transfusion
reactions is symptomatic and logical.
Firstly, if a reaction develops, the
transfusion should be stopped immediately
(in case of a severe reaction) or slowed (for
milder reactions). Th e animal should be
treated symptomatically if showing signs
of shock. In such cases, fl uid therapy at
shock doses and corticosteroids should
be initiated. If showing signs of an
anaphylactic reaction, corticosteroids and/
or antihistamines can be administered.
Currently, it is not recommended to
administer pre-transfusion corticosteroids
and/or antihistamines to try and prevent
an allergic-type transfusion reaction.
Th ese reactions are generally mild and can
be minimized by slow transfusion rates
and by not mixing multiple bags from
diff erent donors. If an animal is known
to have had previous hypersensitivity
reactions, then pre-medication with anti-
allergic drugs is indicated.
Blood transfusion in dogs is eff ective
in restoring blood cells lost to anemia
and alleviating the symptoms caused by
blood loss. Th e eff ects of transfusion are
not permanent; therefore, it is essential
to address the root cause of anemia in
order to have a more lasting impact on the
dog’s health. Treatments related to blood
transfusions such as plasma transfusion
and platelet transfusions are also available
as additional transfusions to boost clotting
factors and platelets; however, they cannot
be used on their own in place of a blood
transfusion.
Prevention of Blood
Transfusion in dogs:
Th e circumstances leading to blood
transfusion in dogs are varied, and some
can also be prevented through regular
health check-ups. Certain immune
disorders such as immune-mediated
anemia are unfortunately not preventable,
but once diagnosed can be managed with
proper medication. Also, it is diffi cult
to prevent emergencies arising out of
a signifi cant loss of blood or cancers
resulting in anemia. However, anemia
arising due to fl ea and tick infestation can
be prevented. Ensuring that fl eas and ticks
do not bite your dog can prevent anemia
caused by tick-borne diseases. In addition
to this, making sure that your dog is free
of internal parasites, such as intestinal
worms, also keeps anemia at bay. It is also
vital to ensure that your dog does not have
access to foods such as onions and garlic
to prevent anemia that may occur due to
toxicity.
Risk Factors:
Th e most common risk associated with
blood transfusion in dogs is the potential
for the development of an acute reaction.
Your dog will be monitored aft er the
transfusion to ensure that no reaction
occurs. All signs of a reaction need to be
managed immediately. Other risks factors
associated with blood transfusion include
sepsis from contaminated blood and the
spread of blood-borne diseases (parasitic
and viral) from the donor to the recipient.
Blood transfusion in dogs provides rapid,
life-saving assistance by rapidly managing
the conditions resulting in anemia.
*Dr Kumar Ravi is a practicing
veterinarian Indirapuram pet
clinic Ghaziabad. He has been
practicing for 15 years.