Transfusion related acute lung injury and associated transient pulmonary hypertension in a dog

Blood transfusions have become very important for supportive treatment of anemic animals. However, blood products are not innocuous substances, even if blood is typed and compatibility evaluated before transfusion. Multiple adverse reactions are possible, and the risk is markedly increased in already critically ill patients. One of the organ systems potentially affected by a blood transfusion is the respiratory tract, including transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI). The present case report describes in detail the development of acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and associated severe pulmonary hypertension a few hours after a packed red blood cell transfusion. With supportive care the dog recovered clinically, radiographically, and echocardiographically within days. Though considered rare in veterinary medicine, TRALI is an important potential complication of transfusion of blood products.