Pre- and Post-Transfusion Alloimmunization in Dogs Characterized by 2 Antiglobulin-Enhanced Cross-match Tests.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Immunology
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Blood compatibility testing in dogs for transfusions is inconsistent.
• Current methods may include dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) typing but rarely cross-matching.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate naturally occurring red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies.
• To assess alloimmunization following canine transfusions using two antiglobulin-enhanced cross-match tests.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 80 anemic dogs, 72 donors, and 7 controls.
• Dogs were typed for DEA 1, 4, and 7. Major cross-match tests were performed using immunochromatographic strips and gel columns post-transfusion.

Main Results:

• Both cross-match methods yielded identical results.
• While pre-transfusion cross-matches were compatible, 44% of DEA 1-matched recipients developed post-transfusion incompatibility against other RBC antigens.
• No naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies were found in DEA 7- dogs.

Conclusions:

• Antiglobulin-enhanced cross-match techniques did not detect naturally occurring RBC alloantibodies.
• A significant rate of post-transfusion alloimmunization was observed in dogs.
• Cross-matching is recommended for all previously transfused dogs, irrespective of initial DEA 1 typing.