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Prediction of Packed Cell Volume after Whole Blood Transfusion in Small Ruminants and South American Camelids: 80
D Luethy1, D Stefanovski1, R Salber1
1Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA.
Background:
Calculation of desired whole blood transfusion volume relies on an estimate of an animal's circulating blood volume, generally accepted to be 0.08 L/kg or 8% of the animal's body weight in kilograms.
Objective:
To use packed cell volume before and after whole blood transfusion to evaluate the accuracy of a commonly used equation to predict packed cell volume after transfusion in small ruminants and South American camelids; to determine the nature and frequency of adverse transfusion reactions in small ruminants and camelids after whole blood transfusion.
Animals:
Fifty-eight small ruminants and 22 alpacas that received whole blood transfusions for anemia.
Methods:
Retrospective case series; medical record review for small ruminants and camelids that received whole blood transfusions during hospitalization.
Results:
Mean volume of distribution of blood as a fraction of body weight in sheep (0.075 L/kg, 7.5% BW) and goats (0.076 L/kg, 7.6% BW) differed significantly (P < 0.01) from alpacas (0.103 L/kg, 10.3% BW). Mild transfusion reactions were noted in 16% of transfusions.
Conclusions And Clinical Relevance:
The generally accepted value of 8% for circulating blood volume (volume of distribution of blood) is adequate for calculation of transfusion volumes; however, use of the species-specific circulating blood volume can improve calculation of transfusion volume to predict and achieve desired packed cell volume. The incidence of transfusion reactions in small ruminants and camelids is low.
