Twelve autologous blood transfusions in eight cats with haemoperitoneum

Abstract

Objectives The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical use and outcome of autologous transfusions in cats with intracavitary haemorrhage. Methods A retrospective descriptive study was performed. Computerised medical records of a single referral centre were searched for cats receiving an autotransfusion. Medical records were evaluated for underlying disease process, autotransfusion technique, autotransfusion volume, time period over which the autotransfusion was given, packed cell volume (PCV) pre- and post-autotransfusion, percentage rise in PCV, use of other blood products and any complications of the procedure. Survival to discharge and survival at 2 months was documented. Results Between July 2012 and March 2018 a total of 12 autotransfusions were performed in eight cats. All patients were diagnosed with haemoperitoneum. Four of the eight cats were diagnosed with abdominal neoplasia, three had postoperative haemorrhage and one had a traumatic haemoperitoneum. Three cats received more than one autotransfusion. Blood was collected using a 23 G butterfly catheter and 20 ml syringe in 7/12 collections, a 23 G needle and 20 ml syringe in 2/12 collections and directly into syringes from the open abdomen at the time of surgery in 3/12 collections. A median volume of 50 ml (range 25-80 ml) was collected and administered, meaning a median volume of 16.5 ml/kg (range 9-26 ml/kg) was administered. The autologous transfusions were given over a median of 3 h (0.25-6 h). Five cats were given another blood product alongside the autotransfusion. Median percentage PCV increase was 5% (range 1-7%). Anticoagulant was used in 5/12 autotransfusions. No clinically relevant adverse effects were reported. Six of the eight cats survived to discharge. Two month survival was 60% (3/5). Conclusions and relevance Autologous transfusion appears to be a safe and effective technique for stabilising cats with haemoperitoneum. This technique allows rapid and cheap provision of blood and avoids the need for an allogenic blood donor.

Successful autologous transfusion from the subcutaneous space in a domestic shorthair cat with suspected anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity

“… 4 In a retrospective study of cats receiving autotransfusions from their peritoneal cavity, anticoagulant was used in 5/12 transfusions, although no complications were reported in either group. 5 In a similar retrospective study of canine autotransfusions, an anticoagulant was added in 13/25 cases and use of the anticoagulant was not associated with survival. 9 The reported complications in this study included hypocalcaemia in four of 16 dogs, all of whom received anticoagulated autotransfusions but also received stored allogenic whole blood.…”

“… 3 , 4 A retrospective study of 12 autotransfusions in eight cats found that autotransfusion was well tolerated, although all cats in that study received their transfusions from the peritoneal cavity. 5 Blood donation and subsequent perioperative autotransfusion have also been described in a series of cats undergoing planned craniectomy and appeared safe in that setting. 6 An autotransfusion from the subcutaneous space has not been previously reported in the veterinary literature.…”

Retrospective evaluation of the use of small‐bore wire‐guided catheters for the management of peritoneal effusion in cats and dogs

“…The use of peritoneal catheters to facilitate autotransfusion has not been previously described. Typically, collection of blood for autotransfusion would be performed by needle paracentesis using a needle or butterfly catheter, 27 or intraoperatively using a suction device 28 or syringe. 29 Preoperative collection of peritoneal blood can allow patient stabilization without reliance on autologous blood products (which may be expensive or difficult to source).…”

Current controversies in feline transfusion medicine

“…It's important that the potential for contamination of salvaged blood with bacteria or neoplastic cells is considered and you should note that optimal protocols for anticoagulant use have not been established; however, we use the same ratios of anticoagulant as for blood donation and use CPDA or ACD in preference over heparin. Autologous blood transfusion has been reported to be a safe and effective technique (Cole and Humm 2019).…”