Xenotransfusion of Blood from Dog to Cat: Should Canine Blood Be Our First Choice for Feline Transfusion in Emergency Situations?

Abstract

Despite the ability to determine feline blood types, the transfusion of canine blood to cats is still practiced in some countries. Xenotransfusion is effective—even if its effects only last for a few days—and is not associated with serious adverse effects. It avoids the need for blood typing, and most importantly, it avoids the transmission of intraspecific infectious agents, notably the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Transfusion with canine blood is easier, quicker and less costly than transfusion with feline blood; it is less disagreeable for the donor. In the light of these arguments, when feline blood collected according to current guidelines is not available, in particular when the donor is not confirmed to be negative for the FeLV provirus, the authors consider it to be judicious to use canine blood for feline transfusion in emergency situations; this practice is preferable to inaction and to the inoculation of an infectious agent. Allotransfusion remains preferable in non-emergency situations as a treatment of chronic compensated anaemiae or if an appropriate donor (negative for FeLV provirus) is available. However, 2–4 days after a xenotransfusion, if a clinical alteration and a significant decrease in haematocrit are observed, a transfusion with cat’s blood confirmed to be negative for FeLV provirus should be performed. Xenotransfusion should never be used twice.

Retrospective study of canine blood xenotransfusion compared with type-matched feline blood allotransfusion to cats: indications, effectiveness, limitations and adverse effects

“…First, large donor dogs can donate a much greater volume (>10-fold) than donor cats, while canine blood collection and processing are technically easier and safer for donors. 35 , 58 Second, canine blood products are more available than feline ones, and typically cost less. 58 Third, xenotransfusion to cats does not require blood typing.…”

“… 35 , 58 Second, canine blood products are more available than feline ones, and typically cost less. 58 Third, xenotransfusion to cats does not require blood typing. Fourth, canine blood products are devoid of feline infectious agents.…”

Incidence of acute haemolysis in cats receiving canine packed red blood cells (xenotransfusions)

“…However, it is well described that fatal transfusion reactions are likely if cats receive more than one xenotransfusion. 2,3,7,8…”

“…However, it is well described that fatal transfusion reactions are likely if cats receive more than one xenotransfusion. 2,3,7,8 Because the repeated exposure of cats to canine blood can result in a fatal outcome, the use of canine blood in feline transfusion medicine is largely avoided. However, in recent years several reports have described the relative safety of one-time administration of canine blood to cats.…”

“…However, in recent years several reports have described the relative safety of one-time administration of canine blood to cats. 3,4,8 Delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions are expected to occur in the subsequent days as the feline recipient develops antibodies to the canine red blood e629 cells. However, acute haemolytic transfusion reactions (AHTRs; ie, those occurring with 24 h) on the first administration of canine packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to cats have not been described.…”