Our emergency veterinarians are highly qualified and well-trained to provide you and your pet with the highest standard in emergency medical and critical care.
Pets that have lost a significant amount of blood should be taken to the emergency department immediately. Other signs that your animal needs professional help include:
- Trauma to the body
- Damage to organ
- Broken bones
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Cold to the touch
- Dizziness
- Fainting
If your pet needs a blood transfusion, chances are they have also lost substantial interstitial fluid and iron. First and foremost, the bleeding needs to be stopped. Then, they will need to be stabilized with an IV. The blood transfusion will stimulate organ function, so the body can heal itself.
BrightCare Animal ER is dedicated to providing exceptional treatment for animals throughout Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, Lake Forest, and surrounding areas.. Our 24 hour emergency animal hospital is equipped with the latest technology and tools to diagnose and care for animals. We understand how scary pet emergencies can be, so our emergency veterinarians try their best to accommodating with every patient. If you have questions or an animal in need, give us a call at 949-716-9270 and we’ll be happy to help.
What is a blood transfusion?
A blood transfusion is the process of giving one patient blood from a donor. Situations that could necessitate blood transfusions include trauma, ruptured blood vessels, surgery, anemia, and more.
Like humans, animals need the red blood cells in blood transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to keep it functional. These cells also bring carbon dioxide and other waste to the lungs, kidneys, and digestive system to be expelled from the body. White blood cells, which only comprise of 1% of blood, are responsible for defending the body from foreign invaders and diseases. Prolonged blood loss may lead to a reduction of iron in the body, so the bone marrow is unable to replace lost blood cells with new ones.
To ensure veterinary centers are equipped with all the tools they need to treat animals in need, there are multiple animal blood banks throughout the country that provide blood for vets to keep on hand in case of emergencies. Qualified dogs and cats can also donate blood to hospitals if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Blood Transfusions for Cats
Blood types are the classification of blood by the presence or absence of specific antigens, which are substances that stimulate an immune response from the body. Cats have 3 blood types: A, B, and AB. There is no universal donor for cats, so they always need to be tested and matched for their blood type before a transfusion. If the blood types don’t match, the operation could result in a fatal reaction because the immune system could attack the transfused blood.
Luckily, it’s easy to determine a cat’s blood type with a card test, immunochromatography test, blood test, or cheek swab. These diagnostics are essential to the success of a blood transfusion because feline blood may have antibodies that will reject blood that doesn’t match.
Blood Transfusions for Dogs
Dogs are a little different. They have seven recognized blood types and 5 less common ones, which include DEA 1, DEA 1.2, DEA 1.3, DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5, and DEA 7. 98% of dogs, however, have DEA 4 alone and this is also considered a universal donor blood.
FAQ
What is a blood transfusion?
A blood transfusion for pets in Mission Viejo means to administer blood, or its sub-products, to an animal in need of some blood components like red blood cells or platelets. It is common to administer blood or its components following a life-threatening emergency.
Why would your pet need a blood transfusion?
Caregivers will primarily recommend a blood transfusion for pets in Mission Viejo when they have suffered excessive blood loss after an accident. A blood transfusion may also be recommended if your pet has an insufficient oxygen-carrying capability, or if they require coagulator factors.
What are the signs of needing a blood transfusion for pets?
Blood transfusion for pets in Mission Viejo is only determined following clinical signs like acute anemia, hemorrhages, or low oxygen-carrying capacity. If your veterinary caregivers consider that a blood transfusion is necessary they will usually point out which components are necessary as whole blood transfusions are not always beneficial.
How much does it cost for a dog blood transfusion?
Blood transfusions for dogs in Mission Viejo can cost varying amounts. The transfusion of some components can vary a lot between locations and if your pet requires whole blood the price can go up. The price will change depending on how many units the patient needs, and what components are required.
Why would a cat need a blood transfusion?
There are many reasons why your pet would need a blood transfusion for cats in Mission Viejo. Consider that the veterinary team will recommend the transfusion of blood components to specifically target some conditions, so your cat will receive some components like fresh plasma, platelet-rich plasma, packed red cells, or others.
