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Blood Transfusions in Dogs and Cats Receiving Hemodialysis: 230 Cases (June 1997-September 2012)
C Langston1, A Cook2, A Eatroff3
1The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH.
Anemia in dogs and cats undergoing hemodialysis often requires blood transfusions. More dialysis treatments increased transfusion needs in cats, but not dogs, and transfusions were linked to higher mortality in dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Nephrology
- Hematology
Background:
- Anemia is a common complication in dogs and cats undergoing hemodialysis.
- Several factors contribute to anemia, often necessitating blood product transfusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate blood product usage in dogs and cats with kidney disease treated with intermittent hemodialysis.
- To identify risk factors associated with the need for blood product transfusions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for 147 dogs and 83 cats.
- Patients received renal replacement therapy for acute or chronic kidney disease between June 1997 and September 2012.
Main Results:
- Blood products were administered to 87% of cats and 32% of dogs.
- Increased dialysis treatments correlated with transfusion requirements in cats, but not in dogs.
- Blood product administration was associated with increased mortality in dogs, but not in cats.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary facilities offering hemodialysis must ensure prompt access to safe blood products.
- This is crucial for managing the transfusion needs of canine and feline patients undergoing dialysis.
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History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
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