FM2 Pt1-2 Feline Blood Groups

Question 1

What is the basis for identifying blood groups in cats?

Answer 1

Blood groups are established by identifying major antigenic differences between erythrocytes from different individuals.

Question 2

What is the main blood group system in cats?

Answer 2

The A-B blood group system.

Question 3

How is the A-B blood group system inherited in cats?

Answer 3

The allele for group A is dominant over group B. Cats with group A can have a homozygous (A/A) or heterozygous (A/B) genotype, while cats with group B are homozygous (B/B).

Question 4

What is unique about AB blood group cats?

Answer 4

AB cats express both A and B antigens on the erythrocyte membrane and are assumed to have an A/B genotype with a third allele acting as co-dominant.

Question 5

What are the clinical implications of feline blood groups?

Answer 5

They are important for blood transfusions and the prevention of neonatal isoerythrolysis due to the presence of naturally-occurring alloantibodies.

Question 6

Which cats have high levels of anti-A alloantibodies?

Answer 6

Most blood group B cats (>95%).

Question 7

What can occur if a group B cat receives type A blood?

Answer 7

A major transfusion reaction, where donated erythrocytes are destroyed within minutes to hours, leading to severe anaphylactic reactions.

Question 8

What is the typical half-life of transfused erythrocytes in a cat given autogenous blood?

Answer 8

30-38 days.

Question 9

What is neonatal isoerythrolysis in cats?

Answer 9

It is an immune-mediated haemolytic disease in kittens of blood group A (or AB) born to a group B queen, leading to hemolytic anemia and possible death in the first few days after birth.

Question 10

What breeds of cats are more likely to experience neonatal isoerythrolysis?

Answer 10

Breeds with a higher prevalence of group B cats.

Question 11

What is the estimated prevalence of group A cats in most domestic cat populations?

Answer 11

Between 94% and 100% in domestic shorthair and longhair cats.

Question 12

How do the prevalence of blood groups in pedigree cats differ from domestic cats?

Answer 12

Pedigree breeds often have a higher proportion of group B cats due to selective breeding and limited gene pools.

Question 13

What is the “Mik” antigen, and why is it significant?

Answer 13

Mik is a non-AB blood group antigen that can cause transfusion reactions in AB-matched cats, although testing for it is currently unavailable.

Question 14

Why is blood typing recommended before feline blood transfusions?

Answer 14

Blood typing is recommended to prevent major transfusion reactions, especially in certain breeds with a higher risk of having group B blood.

Question 15

How can knowledge of blood group prevalence in cat breeds be helpful?

Answer 15

It helps quantify the risks of transfusion reactions and can guide breeding programs to avoid neonatal isoerythrolysis.

Question 16

What is neonatal isoerythrolysis in cats?

Answer 16

A condition where a group A or AB kitten born to a group B queen suffers from hemolytic anemia due to anti-A antibodies in the mother’s milk.

Question 17

What is the purpose of using blood typing in breeding programs?

Answer 17

To avoid mating a type B queen with a type A tom, thus preventing neonatal isoerythrolysis.

Question 18

What is a commonly used test for feline blood typing?

Answer 18

The Rapid Vet-H Feline card-agglutination test by DMS Laboratories.

Question 19

What should be done for cats receiving more than one transfusion, even with matched blood?

Answer 19

Major and minor cross-matching should be performed because the first transfusion may induce antibodies against other red cell antigens.

Question 20

What do blood typing kits like Rapid Vet-H Feline test for?

Answer 20

They identify the A-B blood group system in cats.

Question 21

What is the risk of not blood typing before a transfusion in certain cat breeds?

Answer 21

There is a higher risk of a major transfusion reaction due to mismatched blood.

Question 22

Why might knowledge of local and geographical variations in blood group prevalence be important?

Answer 22

Because prevalence can vary by region, affecting the accuracy of risk assessment for transfusion reactions.

Question 23

What is the advantage of using a simple, rapid blood typing test in clinics?

Answer 23

It simplifies the process of blood typing, making it accessible for routine use in all veterinary clinics.