Clinical Assistant Professor Tufts University Clinton, MA, United States
Abstract:
Background: Packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions are provided to increase hematocrit in anemic dogs. Anemia may develop from blood loss, hemolysis, bone marrow failure or a combination of causes. In people, outpatient transfusions are provided to stable patients, but the role of outpatient transfusion in dogs is unknown. Due to the scarcity and cost of blood products, appropriate use of blood products is warranted.
Hypothesis/
Objectives: To retrospectively describe the indications and 30 days outcome following outpatient transfusion administered to dogs.
Animals – 43 dogs receiving pRBC transfusion as outpatients.
Methods – The electronic medical records were searched for dogs that received pRBCs transfusions and were discharged within 8 hours. Dogs that were admitted or died/euthanized before discharge were excluded. The indications were classified as traumatic or surgical blood loss, immune-mediated disease, blood loss associated with neoplasia, chronic renal failure and unclassified anemias.
Results – Indications for transfusion included neoplasia (n=12), immune-mediated disease (n=12), acute blood loss (n=10), unclassified anemia (n=7), and chronic kidney disease (n=2). Four dogs had transfusion reactions, with 3 febrile/non-hemolytic and 1 hemolytic, but all were discharged. At 30 days, 19 dogs were dead, 14 dogs were alive and 10 were lost to follow-up.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance – Outpatient transfusions may be performed successfully and be considered in certain cases. Access to care may be improved by limiting costs associated with transfusion therapy.
