Blood transfusions in dogs and cats

A vital resource at the heart of our business

In certain critical situations, blood transfusion may be essential to save an animal's life. Acute haemorrhage, severe anaemia, coagulation disorders or autoimmune diseases are just some of the cases where a rapid supply of blood or blood derivatives is essential.

Our clinic has set up a structured veterinary transfusion service, capable of responding effectively to these emergency or intensive care situations. We are also proud to have an in-house blood bank, one of the few in the veterinary world to be operational.

The vital role of blood

Blood is a liquid tissue essential to life. It performs several major functions:

Transport of oxygen (via red blood cells) to tissues,
Transport of nutrients, hormones and metabolic waste,
Immune defense (thanks to white blood cells),
Coagulation (via platelets and coagulation factors),
Maintaining homeostasis.

When an animal loses blood or suffers failure of one of its components, a transfusion can temporarily or permanently restore vital function.

Blood types in dogs

In dogs, blood groups are determined by antigens present on the surface of red blood cells. The main system is the DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) system.

The best known and most clinically significant antigens are :

DEA 1 ( DEA: Dog Erythrocyte Antigen), the most important group
DEA 2 DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5, DEA 6, DEA 7, DEA 8 (a group DEA 9 or Dal exists and is mainly found in Dalmacians).

A dog can be AED 1.1 positive or AED 1.1 negative.

Universal donors in dogs: AED 1.1-negative dogs are considered universal donors, and AED 1.1-positive dogs universal recipients.

Blood types in cats

In cats, transfusion compatibility is stricter than in dogs. Cats naturally possess antibodies to foreign blood groups, even without prior transfusion.

There are three feline blood types:

Group A: the most common (80-95% of cats, depending on region and breed),
Group B: rarer, but common in certain breeds (British Shorthair, Devon Rex, Abyssinian...),
Group AB: very rare.
MIK group: its antigenicity and level of expression are still poorly understood

Transfusion between incompatible groups can lead to an acute, often fatal, hemolytic reaction.

That's why :

Blood typing is mandatory before any transfusion,
A crossmatch test is always recommended, even for a first transfusion.

What tests are required before a transfusion?

Blood grouping tests are recommended before any transfusion. They are carried out at the animal's bedside, using test kits. Results are very rapid, enabling the selection of the ideal blood for transfusion.

A compatibility test is also recommended. This is known as the cross-match test, and involves checking the compatibility of the donor and recipient blood. In the event of incompatibility, transfusion accidents can occur, leading to massive hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) in the recipient animal.

It is more than necessary in cats, as blood groups are not yet fully known in this species.

How does a transfusion work?

Once the tests have been carried out and the blood bags are available, the transfusion can begin.

Transfusions are carried out during hospitalization and are closely monitored.

A catheter is inserted, usually in a foreleg, and secured.

Specific transfusion equipment: dedicated blood bags, tubing with suitable filters (170 to 206 µm), compatible infusion pumps or syringe pumps for small animals (< 3kg).

A transfusion usually lasts 4 hours. The initial flow rate is low, to check for possible transfusion reactions. Reactions usually occur within the first 15 to 30 minutes.

Where do the blood bags at the Agoravet clinic come from?

A blood bank has been set up at the clinic. A blood donation is organized about once a month at our facility. Blood donations are voluntary. Pet owners bring their animals, which must be in good health, to the clinic. Various tests (blood grouping, blood count and blood formula) are carried out before validating the blood donation. The test results are systematically given to the owner, so that the animal's blood type can be determined. Samples are taken in a few minutes, just as for a human blood donation. In some cases, agitated animals can be tranquilized to ensure that the sample is taken in the best possible conditions.

At the end of the transfusion, the donor animal is offered a snack.

The Agoravet clinic has developed a partnership with the PROPLAN company, which has enabled us to finance state-of-the-art equipment for our blood bank. To thank the animals that donate blood, PROPLAN offers a bag of food for the dogs and cats that donate blood.

Can my dog or cat give blood?

Please find below some information about donating blood. Please do not hesitate to contact our care teams for any further information.

How does a blood donation work?

Blood donations are made by appointment. Once the appointment has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation letter, a consent form and a donor health check form. These must be completed and handed in at your appointment, along with your pet's vaccination record. We'll also send you an SMS reminder a few days before your appointment.

When you arrive at the clinic, our team will welcome you.

Your appointment consists of three parts:

1. First of all, a health check is carried out by a member of our care team. The aim is to check that your companion is fit and in good health to make a donation. This check-up includes :

A complete clinical examination

A medical history

Shearing and cleaning two small areas of your neck which will be the sampling sites.

A blood test for a small sample and a few tests

2. Your dog or cat is then positioned on a treatment table for blood sampling. Average volumes are around 450ml of blood for dogs and 50ml for cats. This takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

3. After their donation, they are offered a snack: water and a small bowl of food. We give you a bag of kibble to take home, courtesy of our blood donation partner PRO PLAN.

The session closes with a photo of our heroes of the day, to share on our networks and highlight the notion of blood donation.

All in all, you should allow around 45 minutes for your appointment.

After the donation, we advise the dogs to rest for the rest of the day. They can resume their routine the next day.

Use of treats during donation sessions:

To make the donation experience very positive and exciting for your dog, we give him treats throughout the appointment. Giving your dog treats allows us to build a positive and trusting relationship with him. It also allows us to reward your dog in a meaningful and ongoing way for his commitment to the process.

Your dog's health is always our top priority. So if your dog is on a special diet, or if you prefer to bring your own treats or kibble, please don't hesitate to do so. This means we can always reward them for their involvement in the session with treats that you're happy for them to receive.

Each unit donated by your dog can help save up to four dogs.