FM2 Pt1-2 Feline Blood Groups Flashcards
What is the basis for identifying blood groups in cats?
Blood groups are established by identifying major antigenic differences between erythrocytes from different individuals.
What is the main blood group system in cats?
The A-B blood group system.
How is the A-B blood group system inherited in cats?
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).
What is unique about AB blood group cats?
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.
What are the clinical implications of feline blood groups?
They are important for blood transfusions and the prevention of neonatal isoerythrolysis due to the presence of naturally-occurring alloantibodies.
Which cats have high levels of anti-A alloantibodies?
Most blood group B cats (>95%).
What can occur if a group B cat receives type A blood?
A major transfusion reaction, where donated erythrocytes are destroyed within minutes to hours, leading to severe anaphylactic reactions.
What is the typical half-life of transfused erythrocytes in a cat given autogenous blood?
30-38 days.
What is neonatal isoerythrolysis in cats?
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.
What breeds of cats are more likely to experience neonatal isoerythrolysis?
Breeds with a higher prevalence of group B cats.
What is the estimated prevalence of group A cats in most domestic cat populations?
Between 94% and 100% in domestic shorthair and longhair cats.
How do the prevalence of blood groups in pedigree cats differ from domestic cats?
Pedigree breeds often have a higher proportion of group B cats due to selective breeding and limited gene pools.
What is the “Mik” antigen, and why is it significant?
Mik is a non-AB blood group antigen that can cause transfusion reactions in AB-matched cats, although testing for it is currently unavailable.
Why is blood typing recommended before feline blood transfusions?
Blood typing is recommended to prevent major transfusion reactions, especially in certain breeds with a higher risk of having group B blood.
How can knowledge of blood group prevalence in cat breeds be helpful?
It helps quantify the risks of transfusion reactions and can guide breeding programs to avoid neonatal isoerythrolysis.
What is neonatal isoerythrolysis in cats?
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.
What is the purpose of using blood typing in breeding programs?
To avoid mating a type B queen with a type A tom, thus preventing neonatal isoerythrolysis.
What is a commonly used test for feline blood typing?
The Rapid Vet-H Feline card-agglutination test by DMS Laboratories.
What should be done for cats receiving more than one transfusion, even with matched blood?
Major and minor cross-matching should be performed because the first transfusion may induce antibodies against other red cell antigens.
What do blood typing kits like Rapid Vet-H Feline test for?
They identify the A-B blood group system in cats.
What is the risk of not blood typing before a transfusion in certain cat breeds?
There is a higher risk of a major transfusion reaction due to mismatched blood.
Why might knowledge of local and geographical variations in blood group prevalence be important?
Because prevalence can vary by region, affecting the accuracy of risk assessment for transfusion reactions.
What is the advantage of using a simple, rapid blood typing test in clinics?
It simplifies the process of blood typing, making it accessible for routine use in all veterinary clinics.
