Abstract

Blood transfusion plays a critical role in emergency and life-saving therapy in both human and veterinary medicine, addressing critical needs from acute blood loss to chronic hematologic disorders. Veterinary practice relies on transfusions for emergent stabilization, surgical support and managing chronic anemia. This review aimed to cover the role of blood transfusion in veterinary medicine, focusing on its application, surgical support, management of hematological disorders, the challenges of transfusion reactions, and improving storage techniques. The review was selected through a systematic search of databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, veterinary clinical studies, and books. Transfusion therapy restores circulatory balance, oxygenation, and hemostasis, enhancing patient outcomes. Understanding blood groups, cross-matching, and donor selection ensures transfusion safety. Advances in transfusion medicine, including alternative products like Oxyglobin, improve accessibility and efficacy. Storage methods and anticoagulants play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity and efficacy of blood products for transfusion. Refrigerated storage is commonly used for short-term storage of whole blood and packed red blood cells (pRBCs), while freezing methods are employed for long-term storage of plasma and other components. Anticoagulants such as CPDA-1 and ACD are utilized to prevent clotting and extend the shelf life of blood products. Donor selection and blood banking are essential components of transfusion medicine, requiring stringent screening protocols and access to blood banking facilities to prevent transfusion reactions and complications, both immunologic and non-immunologic. Administration routes, volume considerations, and adjustment of blood volume are critical aspects of transfusion therapy, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient safety. Post-transfusion reactions must be carefully monitored. Opportunities for improvement in small animal transfusion therapy include enhancing access to blood products, refining transfusion protocols, and improving pre-transfusion testing and compatibility assessments to enhance safety and efficacy. Blood transfusion therapy remains a cornerstone in veterinary medicine, significantly contributing to patient care and recovery.