Emergency Transfusions - Recent Updates to Practical Challenges

The ability to perform transfusions in an emergency is a lifesaving form of treatment today. Use of this modality can be complicated and face practical challenges. Having enough of the correct type of blood can be a practical limitation in providing care. Application of transfusion medicine involves determining when transfusions are truly needed, compatibility testing, and careful administration. Can dog blood be used safely for feline patients? What kind of pumps and filters should be used in red blood cell transfusions? We will explore recent information surrounding transfusions through available evidence.

Learning Objectives
· Recognize when blood typing and crossmatching is needed in dogs and cats
· Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the type of pumps and filters for blood transfusions.
· Recognize when autotransfusion is a viable source of RBCs
· Describe the methods of performing autotransfusions
· Apply logical checkpoints in justifying the use of dog blood in cats to minimize risks