2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, observation of anemia, of an increased total number of RBC morphological anomalies on blood smear, and specifically the presence of eccentrocytes could increase the clinical suspicion of lymphoma when compared to IBD in dogs with a suggestive clinical presentation. Canine to feline xenotransfusions are increasingly reported in the veterinary literature as a temporary but questionably effective means of addressing life threatening anemia in recipient cats. This study was conducted to determine the in-vitro compatibility of feline red blood cells (RBCs) with canine sera and conversely canine RBCs with feline sera. Each cat and dog had a saline assessment initially conducted to determine if pre-existing autoagglutination existed. Both major and minor cross matches were performed, with major defined as feline sera against canine RBCs and minor defined as feline RBCs against canine sera. All cross matches were performed via manual technique at 4, 25 and 37 degrees Centigrade. The end assessment of incompatibility was based on scored assessments of macroscopic or microscopic agglutination and/or hemolysis of RBCs. The first group of cross matches consisted of 19 blood Type A cats against five dogs. The dogs were selected to comprise a broad spectrum of the Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) possibilities. Each of the 19 cats had a major and minor cross match with each of the five dogs at all three temperatures for a total of 570 data points. None of the cross matches were compatible (100% incompatibility). To expand the database of canine bloodtypes, a second novel group of seven blood Type A cats were major and minor cross matched against ten dogs, five dogs of which were cohorts from the first set of cross match data. This yielded 420 data points for assessment of compatibility. Similar to the first data set, none of the cross matches were compatible (100% incompatibility). This data suggests there is an inherent incompatibility between dog and cat blood regardless of components tested. Clinicians contemplating canine to feline xenotransfusions should be cautious of utilizing this technique even in the presence of life threatening anemia.