Indications for use and complications associated with canine plasma products in 170 patients

To describe a population of dogs receiving canine plasma products (PP), report the incidence of transfusion reactions (TR), and to identify whether this is higher when non-type-matched plasma is administered.

Retrospective study conducted on dogs receiving canine PP between March 2016 and January 2018.

Private referral hospital with first opinion emergency clinic.

One hundred and ninety-four privately owned dogs identified from the clinic electronic medical record system that received at least 1 unit of canine PP during the study period; 25 patients were excluded due to incomplete records.

None.

A search of computerized records was performed, identifying any patients that received canine PP between 2016 and 2018; clinical notes were examined to identify the number and type of TR associated. One hundred and sixty-nine cases were included in the study, receiving a total of 412 PP transfusions. Reactions were noted in 4% (17/412) of transfusions administered, with the vast majority being mild in nature. Of the TR identified, a greater proportion were in type-matched PP transfusions than non-type-matched, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.7989). The number of dogs suffering a TR was higher (13%) when multiple units of plasma were administered than if only 1 unit was transfused (5%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.1161). Transfusion reactions were more likely to occur when packed red blood cells were also administered, although this was also not statistically significant (P = 0.07).

Administration of canine plasma products appears to be a safe procedure that carries a low risk of transfusion reactions. Type-matching of canine PP appears unnecessary and does not reduce incidence of TR in dogs.