Feline blood transfusion: topping up nine lives, one drop at a time
DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / IJOY8697
Katie Abbotts, FdSc, RVN, CertVNECC
ENVELOPE kabbotts93 @ gmail. com
After finishing her veterinary nursing degree and qualifying as an RVN in 2015, Katie gained a wealth of experience in emergency practice before moving to charity medicine to prioritise her passion for animal welfare. Katie has continued to progress with her studies and has obtained her emergency and critical care certificate, and now specialises in emergency and critical care nursing as an out-of-hours team leader in a multidisciplinary referral practice.
ABSTRACT Feline transfusion medicine requires a comprehensive understanding of feline blood groups and the immunological mechanisms involved in acute haemolytic reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis.
Donor selection and welfare depend on adherence to recognised UK standards, including appropriate intervals between donations and fulfilment of eligibility criteria to ensure donor safety. Accurate blood typing, cross‐matching and transfusion volume calculation are essential for compatibility and for protecting the health of both donor and recipient.
Appropriate use of fresh whole blood, packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma is guided by matching blood products to individual patient needs to optimise oxygen delivery and minimise risks such as volume overload.
Nursing responsibilities encompass vigilant monitoring during and after the transfusion, early recognition and management of immunological and non‐immunological reactions, and supportive care for neonates with suspected kitten erythrolysis. The author explains how preventative breeding strategies to maintain compatible blood types help to reduce the incidence of neonatal isoerythrolysis.
Although canine‐to‐feline xenotransfusion may provide short-term benefit when compatible feline blood is unavailable, it carries significant immunological risk and should be limited to emergencies where a transfusion is required to save a cat ' s life.
These principles support safe transfusion practice and promote optimal outcomes for feline patients.
Keywords feline, blood transfusion, donation, xenotransfusion, neonatal isoethrolysis, emergency treatment
28 Veterinary Nursing Journal