Feline transfusion practice in South Africa : current status and practical solutions : continuing education

Abstract

Blood transfusion therapy is often under-utilised in feline practice in South Africa. However, it is a technique that can be safely and effectively introduced in practice. Cats have naturally occurring allo-antibodies against the blood type that they lack, which makes blood typing, or alternatively cross-matching, essential before transfusions. Feline blood donors must be carefully selected, be disease free and should be sedated before blood collection. The preferred anticoagulant for feline blood collection is citrate-phosphatedextrose-adenine. Blood can either be administered intravenously or into the medullary cavity, with the transfusion rate depending on the cat's hydration status and cardiac function. Transfusion reactions can be immediate or delayed and they are classified as immunological or non-immunological. Indications, methods and techniques to do feline blood transfusions in a safe and economical way are highlighted

Feline Blood Transfusions

“…Although not recommended (as it might induce platelet aggregation and inhibit coagulation factors), in an emergency situation heparin can alternatively be used as an anticoagulant, at 5–10 units of heparin/ml of blood. 20,99,100…”

“…19 There may be regional variation in this respect, however, as haemoplasmosis-associated anaemia is reported as one of the most frequent indications for transfusion in South Africa. 20 Other, rarely reported infectious organisms that have been associated with anaemia include Bartonella species (which can cause transient anaemia), Ehrlichia species, Neorickettsia risticii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Cytauxzoon felis and Rickettsia felis. 21,22 Transfusion 'triggers'…”

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution - is it a solution to reduce perioperative blood transfusions? : review article

“…Storing at room temperature has been shown to preserve platelet function 45 . Platelet aggregation and inhibition of coagulation factors are 2 problems associated with the use of heparin for blood collection 8 .…”

“…The research into haemodilution has been prompted by concerns raised with the transfusion of blood, namely the transmission of disease, septicaemia, transfusion reactions, hypocalcaemia, hypothermia, coagulation defects and vomition 8,45 . Haemodilution should be utilised in patients with a haematocrit greater than 34 % and who are expected to lose more than 1 litre of blood perioperatively 45 .…”

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution - 2 case studies : clinical communication

“…In order to maintain optimal oxygen delivery by the maintenance of an adequate concentration of haemoglobin, a blood transfusion may be necessary after invasive surgery with massive haemorrhage. Concerns raised with the transfusion of blood include the transmission of disease, septicaemia, transfusion reactions, hypocalcaemia, hypothermia, coagulation defects and vomition 1 . A number of techniques have been described to conserve red blood cells in the peri-operative period.…”