{"id":6518,"date":"2024-05-30T14:28:20","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T12:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/caring-for-my-pet\/blood-transfusions-in-dogs-and-cats\/"},"modified":"2025-12-30T10:54:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T08:54:56","slug":"blood-transfusions-in-dogs-and-cats","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/list-of-our-services\/internal-medicine\/blood-transfusions\/","title":{"rendered":"Blood transfusions in dogs and cats"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignfull tw-stretched-blocks tw-cols-stack-md is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-25bf2226 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-bottom-color:var(--wp--preset--color--custom-gris);border-bottom-width:1px;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-75b9203d wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9115f92 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained tw-block-animation tw-animation-fade-in-up\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><div class=\"wp-block-wpseopress-breadcrumbs\"><nav  aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BreadcrumbList\"><li class=\"breadcrumb-item active\" aria-current=\"page\" itemprop=\"itemListElement\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ListItem\"><span itemprop=\"name\">Home<\/span><meta itemprop=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-link-color wp-elements-2694b6e640746ed3903a2813f6043938 wp-block-post-title has-text-color has-custom-primaire-color tw-block-animation tw-animation-scale-in\">Blood transfusions in dogs and cats<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"swiper-cover-gallery-controls\">\n    <div class=\"swiper-button-prev swiper-button-prev-cover-gallery tw-block-animation tw-animation-fade-in-up\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"swiper-pagination-cover-gallery tw-block-animation tw-animation-fade-in-up\" style=\"--tw-animation-delay:0.1s;\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"swiper-button-next swiper-button-next-cover-gallery tw-block-animation tw-animation-fade-in-up\" style=\"--tw-animation-delay:0.2s;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-stretch tw-sm-order-last tw-md-order-last is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">    <div class=\"swiper-contaier swiper-cover-gallery\">\n        <div class=\"swiper-wrapper tw-block-animation tw-animation-wipe-left tw-duration-4\">\n                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/dsc_7106-1.jpg.webp');\"><\/div>\n                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/hospitalisation-chat-soins-urgence-strasbourg-scaled.jpg.webp');\"><\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <script type=\"module\">\n        import Swiper from 'https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.mjs'\n\n        const swiper_cover = new Swiper('.swiper-cover-gallery', {\n            slidesPerView: 1,\n            spaceBetween: 0,\n            loop: true,\n            allowTouchMove: false,\n                            autoplay: {\n                    delay: 8000,\n                },\n                        effect: 'creative',\n            creativeEffect: {\n                prev: {\n                    \/\/ will set `translateZ(-400px)` on previous slides\n                    translate: [0, -200, 0],\n                    opacity: 0\n                },\n                next: {\n                    \/\/ will set `translateX(100%)` on next slides\n                    translate: [0, 200, 0],\n                    opacity: 0\n                },\n            },\n            speed: 600,\n            pagination: {\n                el: '.swiper-pagination-cover-gallery',\n                clickable: true,\n            },\n            navigation: {\n                nextEl: '.swiper-button-next-cover-gallery',\n                prevEl: '.swiper-button-prev-cover-gallery',\n            },\n            on: {\n                init: function() {\n                    if (this.slides.length <= 1) {\n                        document.querySelector('.swiper-cover-gallery-controls').style.display = 'none';\n                    }\n                },\n            },\n\n        });\n    <\/script>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A vital resource at the heart of our business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our clinic has set up a <strong>structured veterinary transfusion service<\/strong>, capable of responding effectively to these emergency or intensive care situations. We are also proud to have an <strong>in-house blood bank<\/strong>, one of the few in the veterinary world to be operational. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The vital role of blood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Blood is a liquid tissue essential to life. It performs several major functions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transport of oxygen (via red blood cells) to tissues,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transport of nutrients, hormones and metabolic waste,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Immune defense (thanks to white blood cells),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coagulation (via platelets and coagulation factors),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintaining homeostasis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When an animal loses blood or suffers failure of one of its components, a transfusion can temporarily or permanently restore vital function.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blood types in dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In dogs, blood groups are determined by antigens present on the surface of red blood cells. The main system is the <strong>DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) system<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best known and most clinically significant antigens are :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DEA 1<\/strong> ( DEA: Dog Erythrocyte Antigen), the most important group<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A dog can be <strong>AED 1.1 positive<\/strong> or <strong>AED 1.1 negative<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Universal donors in dogs<\/strong>: <strong>AED 1.1-negative<\/strong> dogs are considered universal donors, and <strong>AED 1.1-positive<\/strong> dogs universal recipients.  <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blood types in cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In cats, transfusion compatibility is <strong>stricter<\/strong> than in dogs. Cats naturally possess antibodies to foreign blood groups, <strong>even without prior transfusion<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are <strong>three feline blood types<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Group A<\/strong>: the most common (80-95% of cats, depending on region and breed),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Group B<\/strong>: rarer, but common in certain breeds (British Shorthair, Devon Rex, Abyssinian...),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Group AB<\/strong>: very rare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MIK group: its antigenicity and level of expression are still poorly understood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Transfusion between incompatible groups can lead to an acute, often <strong>fatal<\/strong>, hemolytic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That's why :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Blood typing<\/strong> is <strong>mandatory<\/strong> before any transfusion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>crossmatch test<\/strong> is always recommended, even for a first transfusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What tests are required before a transfusion?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is more than necessary in cats, as blood groups are not yet fully known in this species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a transfusion work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the tests have been carried out and the blood bags are available, the transfusion can begin.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Transfusions are carried out during hospitalization and are closely monitored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A catheter is inserted, usually in a foreleg, and secured.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specific transfusion equipment: dedicated blood bags, tubing with suitable filters (170 to 206 \u00b5m), compatible infusion pumps or syringe pumps for small animals (&lt; 3kg).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where do the blood bags at the Agoravet clinic come from?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.         <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the transfusion, the donor animal is offered a snack.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can my dog or cat give blood?  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Please find below some information about donating blood. Please do not hesitate to contact our care teams for any further information.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-d0b3c9c8 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-3-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5058\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-3-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-3-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-3-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-3.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-3-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-3-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-3-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-3-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2-3.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a blood donation work?<strong> <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you arrive at the clinic, our team will welcome you.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your appointment consists of three parts:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 :    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A complete clinical examination  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A medical history  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shearing and cleaning two small areas of your neck which will be the sampling sites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A blood test for a small sample and a few tests  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The session closes with a photo of our heroes of the day, to share on our networks and highlight the notion of blood donation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, you should allow around 45 minutes for your appointment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the donation, we advise the dogs to rest for the rest of the day. They can resume their routine the next day.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use of treats during donation sessions:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each unit donated by your dog can help save up to four dogs.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A vital resource at the heart of our business In certain critical situations, blood transfusion may be essential to save [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":6419,"menu_order":11,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"Transfusions in dogs and cats","_seopress_titles_desc":"In case of anemia or massive hemorrhage, transfusions are sometimes necessary in dogs and cats.","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6518","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6518"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6518\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11258,"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6518\/revisions\/11258"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agoravet.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}