Blood Transfusions are Risky

The Importance of Comprehensive Blood Compatibility Testing

Blood transfusions are critical, life-saving procedures in veterinary medicine, but they also carry significant risks, particularly when compatibility testing is insufficient. Unlike in human medicine, where rigorous blood typing and cross-matching protocols are standard practice, many veterinary hospitals rely on basic blood type testing, which may not be adequate to ensure a safe transfusion.

Cats, in particular, have complex blood types, categorized mainly into A, B, and AB groups, with a high potential for life-threatening transfusion reactions if improperly matched. Research has demonstrated that mismatched blood transfusions can lead to severe hemolytic reactions, immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells, and systemic inflammatory responses, ultimately worsening a pet’s prognosis. Proper cross-matching and extended blood typing are essential to minimizing these risks, yet many veterinary facilities do not perform these tests due to cost, time constraints, or lack of awareness.

Studies have shown that the lack of adequate compatibility testing in feline blood transfusions significantly increases the risk of acute hemolytic reactions, which could be avoided with more comprehensive screening. Pet owners should be proactive in asking their veterinarian about the specific blood typing and cross-matching protocols used before consenting to a transfusion.

The Ethical and Safety Concerns of Donor Blood Sources

Beyond compatibility testing, there are growing ethical and safety concerns regarding the sourcing of donor blood in veterinary medicine. While some veterinary blood banks operate responsibly, others have been exposed for keeping donor animals in suboptimal conditions, using them solely for blood collection. Investigations have revealed that some commercial pet blood banks house donor animals in confined, often inadequate environments, where they receive minimal socialization, medical care, or enrichment. These animals are often kept for extended periods under stressful conditions, leading to potential health and welfare issues.

Moreover, the quality of donor blood is highly dependent on the health and well-being of the donor animal. Poor living conditions, inadequate veterinary care, and frequent blood extractions can compromise the quality of the collected blood, potentially putting transfusion recipients at further risk. Ethical concerns also arise regarding how these donor animals are treated and whether alternative blood sourcing methods, such as voluntary donor programs, should be encouraged.

Pet owners should inquire about the origin of the donor blood before agreeing to a transfusion. Veterinary clinics should be transparent about whether they source blood from ethical programs where donor animals receive proper care, regular health screenings, and humane treatment.

What Pet Owners Can Do

To ensure the best possible outcome for their pets requiring blood transfusions, pet owners are advised to:

• Ask about blood typing and cross-matching procedures. Ensure the veterinary clinic performs comprehensive compatibility testing, including major and minor cross-matching, rather than relying solely on basic blood typing.

• Inquire about the source of donor blood. Request information on whether the blood comes from a voluntary donor program or a commercial blood bank, and investigate the ethical treatment of donor animals.

• Discuss alternatives with the veterinarian. Depending on the situation, synthetic blood substitutes, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, or autotransfusion techniques may be viable options.

• Advocate for better regulation in veterinary blood banking. Raising awareness and supporting legislation for improved standards in veterinary transfusion medicine can help protect both donor and recipient animals.

Blood transfusions can be lifesaving, but they must be performed with the highest standards of care and ethical responsibility. By staying informed and asking the right questions, pet owners can play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their beloved animals.

More Research on Compatibility Testing

1. Prevalence of naturally occurring non‐AB blood type incompatibilities in cats and influence of crossmatch on transfusion outcomes Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2018 Nov-Dec; 32(6): 1934–1942 The study highlights the risks of improper blood compatibility testing in cats. It found that 14.9% of transfusion-naive cats had crossmatch incompatibilities, increasing the risk of transfusion reactions. These reactions were significantly more frequent in cats that received non-crossmatched blood. This underscores the importance of thorough blood type compatibility testing before transfusions in veterinary practice.​

   
   

2. Identification of 5 novel feline erythrocyte antigens based on the presence of naturally occurring alloantibodies

   Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2021 Jan-Feb; 35(1): 234–244

   ​ The paper discusses the complexity of blood typing in cats and the risks associated with improper testing. The study highlights that many transfusions are performed without proper cross-matching, which increases the risk of life-threatening reactions. It emphasizes the need for routine compatibility testing to prevent adverse outcomes in clinical settings.

   
   

3. A Newly Recognized Blood Group in Domestic Shorthair Cats: The Mik Red Cell Antigen

   Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2007 Mar-Apr; 21(2): 287–292

   ​ The first report of the discovery of a novel feline RBC antigen named Mik. This antigen was identified in a group of domestic cats and was found to be common, with only 4 Mik-negative cats detected among 66 type A cats. This discovery highlights the need for comprehensive blood testing in cats to avoid transfusion reactions.

More Reports on Blood Source

Hundreds of Cats and Dogs Bled, Warehoused Until Death at Blood Bank Supplying Major Veterinary Chains

• Animals ‘Just Stay Here Until They Die’

• Sick Animals’ Blood Bound for Dying Animals

• Animals Bled From Cradle to Grave

"Update (April 2, 2024): After hearing from tens of thousands of PETA supporters, BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals—two veterinary chains that bought blood from The Veterinarians’ Blood Bank (TVBB)—confirmed that they’re no longer purchasing blood products from TVBB.

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Original post: As reported by The New York Post, a PETA undercover investigation into The Veterinarians’ Blood Bank (TVBB)—a business in Indiana that keeps 900 dogs and cats perpetually confined to barren kennels and crowded pens and sells their blood to veterinary clinics—found that workers bled animals who were elderly, emaciated, and sick with upper respiratory infections, bone cancer, and other issues. Many of the animals were born and bred at TVBB, although the facility acquired some as strays or from staff who answered ads seeking homes for unwanted animals. According to TVBB, several major veterinary hospital chains with locations across the U.S. purchase blood taken from these animals."