Transfusion medicine

Question 1

Do dogs need blood typing before a transfusion?

Answer 1

Not for first one

Yes if previous transfusion

Question 2

Dogs blood typing is based on the DEA system. What happens if DEA 1 negative dog receives DEA 1 positive blood?

Answer 2

Mild, delayed reaction and will be come sensitised

If another transfusion in future = acute haemolysis

Question 3

Dogs blood typing is based on the DEA system. What happens if DEA 1 positive dog receives DEA 1 negative blood?

Answer 3

No reaction

Question 4

Do cats need blood typing before a transfusion?

Answer 4

Yes - always as auto-antibodies can cause erythrolysis

Question 5

What happens if you give a cat with blood type A, type B blood?

Answer 5

Mild delayed reaction

Question 6

What happens if you give a cat with blood type B, type A blood?

Answer 6

Acute haemolysis

Question 7

What is a major and minor cross match in terms of checking blood compatibility?

Answer 7

Major crossmatch = recipient has antibodies against donor’s RBCs
Minor crossmatch = donor has antibodies against recipient’s RBCs