Retrospective Evaluation of Cryoprecipitate Transfusion in Dogs to Prevent or Treat Hemorrhage: 21 Cases (2009-2023)

To report homologous cryoprecipitate transfusions in dogs with hemostatic disorders, hemorrhage, or risk of hemorrhage, and to report adverse reactions associated with these cryoprecipitate transfusions.

Retrospective case series (July 2009 to July 2023).

University teaching hospital.

Twenty-one client-owned dogs with hemostatic disorders, hemorrhage, or risk of procedure-related hemorrhage.

None.

All dogs received homologous cryoprecipitate transfusion. Sixteen dogs had von Willebrand disease (one also had factor XI deficiency); three dogs had hemophilia A; and two dogs had normal concentration of von Willebrand factor and were not diagnosed with any hemostatic disorder. Sixteen dogs also received other blood products and/or hemostatic medications. Twenty-two cryoprecipitate transfusions were administered to 16 dogs before, during, or after surgery; 16 of those 22 transfusions were given to 14 dogs without evidence of hemorrhage but with history of bleeding disorder and/or previous hemorrhage with the aim of preventing hemorrhage. Eight transfusions were given to six dogs to control hemorrhage not associated with surgery. Sixteen dogs (18 transfusions) received cryoprecipitate prepared in-house. Five dogs (12 transfusions) received a commercial lyophilized cryoprecipitate. No dog developed any serious adverse reactions to cryoprecipitate transfusion. All dogs were discharged from the hospital (median, 2 days after cryoprecipitate transfusion [range, 1-25 days]). The benefits of cryoprecipitate transfusion could not be well documented because of the retrospective nature of this study and the concurrent administration of other blood products and/or hemostatic medications to 16 dogs.

Homologous cryoprecipitate transfusion appeared to be safe when administered for prevention or treatment of hemorrhage in dogs, but additional studies to assess safety and efficacy are warranted.