Animal blood transfusion,
(la revue du praticien, sept 2003, 53, pp 705-708)
Since the 1960's, transfusion therapy has taken an increasingly important role. Nevertheless,it mostly remains reserved to species benefiting from an elaborated medicalisation (dog, cat, horse). Though its specifications are similar to those encountered with humans, various factors limit animal blood transfusion : the difficulties linked with its utilization, the absence of structures that could guarantee the supplying in blood products,and finally its cost. As a consequence, the knowledge in this field is more or less elaborated, or directly adapted from the knowledge acquired in human medicine. Nonetheless, one will not forget the important contribution of the animal (especially of the dog)as far as progress and discovery in the field of transfusion are concerned.

Blood typing of domestic carnivores. Transfusion and neonatal hemolytic diseases.
( Le Point Vétérinaire, vol 25, n°157, février 94)
A good knowledge of carnivores' blood types is essential before the setting up  of a transfusion. A transfusion has to be achieved following precise rules in order to avoid potential accidents.
Summary : The absence of natural antibodies for the dog as well as the existence of a unique type that has a high immunological reactivity (type A) is a great simplification for blood typing problems. Indeed, as far as the dog is concerned, a blood transfusion is always possible with non-immune subjects. On the contrary, all type B cats (10 to 15 % of  the population) have a very strong naturally-occurring anti A alloantibodies which can be detected by hemolysis and hemagglutination assays. The high rate of natural hemoglutinine and hemolysis make any blood transfusion from type A impossible. Among the practical aspects of blood types, the first to be taken into consideration is blood typing as far as transfusion is concerned.


Importance of blood groups and blood group antibodies in companion animals,
(Transfusion Medicine Reviews, 2004 : 18, pp 117-126)
Dogs, cats, birds, and ferrets are popular companion animals. Because these pets are considered by many to be family members, they are provided high-quality veterinary medical care, including blood transfusions. This article reviews the current status of blood groups in dogs, cats, birds, and ferrets and discusses the impact of blood groups on veterinary transfusion medicine. One blood group with 3 types has been described in the cat, whereas multiple blood groups have been described in the dog. Only rudimentary knowledge exists regarding pet bird blood groups, and, to date, the ferret appears to be unique because no blood groups have been described. Antibodies against blood group antigens also play a role in animal blood transfusions. Cats have naturally occurring alloantibodies; however, dogs do not appear to have clinically significant naturally occurring alloantibodies. Understanding the issues related to blood groups and blood group antibodies in companion animals will also benefit those using these species as research models for human diseases.