Tzortzi I. DVM, MSc, PhD Candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Sarpekidou E. DVM, PhD Candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kouklaki E. DVM, Postgraduate student, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Tsiaras Ch. DVM, Intern, Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Mylonakis M. DVM, PhD, Professor of Companion Animal Medicine, Companion Animal Clinic School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Professor of Surgery and Anesthesiology-Critical Care, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
Hemolytic and non-hemolytic reactions may occur in canine blood transfusions.
Materials and methods
A 10-year-old English Springer Spaniel was diagnosed with vertebral chondrosarcoma. Prior to the planned surgery, anemia (hematocrit [HCT]: 21%) was found. A "blind" blood transfusion (BT) with DEA1- packed red blood cells (pRBCs) was performed uneventfully, which increased HCT to 30%. Postoperatively, the HCT decreased again (HCT: 22%), and blood of the dog was typed as DEA 1+. The second post-operative day, a BT with DEA+ pRBCs was initiated, resulting in anaphylactic manifestations (hypotension, tachycardia, and hyperthermia) within 15 minutes, prompting cessation of the BT.
Results
Three days later, due to further deterioration of the anemia, BT restarted after a major crossmatch test was found compatible. Severe anaphylactic reaction reoccurred resulting in presumed disseminated intravascular coagulation, and cardiac arrest.
Conclusions
This case implies that a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction is always possible even in the context of a blood type compatible transfusion in dogs.
