Animals also require blood transfusions in cases of significant blood loss due to accidents or surgery, coagulation disorders, and various diseases. Blood is collected from donor animals for this purpose. As with humans, animals also have different blood types that must be taken into account.
Like humans, cats have blood type A, B, or C (=AB). This must be taken into account when performing blood transfusions.
There are a total of twelve blood types in dogs. However, only DEA 1.1 positive and DEA 1.1 negative blood types are tested, as these often cause blood transfusion reactions.
There are a total of seven known blood types in horses (A, C, D, K, P, Q, and U). These carry different cell membrane proteins (=factors: a, b, c, d, e, f or g). Despite the 34 possible combinations of blood group and factor in horses, incompatibilities between donor and recipient blood are less common than in other animals or humans.
The first blood transfusion is usually unproblematic in dogs and horses. However, if possible, a compatibility test should be carried out between the donor and recipient blood.
A small area of skin is shaved and disinfected on the recipient animal. The donor blood is administered into the large jugular vein via a special infusion tube with an integrated blood filter.
The speed at which the transfusion is administered depends on the condition of the recipient animal. A rapid transfusion is necessary for animals with unstable circulation, heart disease or kidney failure. For more stable patients, it can take up to four hours. The animal is monitored continuously during this time. Its heart and respiratory rates are checked regularly for up to 24 hours after the transfusion.
The following reactions may occur during and after a blood transfusion:
Since it is difficult to store large quantities of blood correctly, freshly collected blood from donor animals is usually used. Many veterinary practices keep a list of potential blood donor animals for this purpose. As these are often emergencies, owners who can bring their donor animals to the practice quickly and flexibly are needed.
Donor animals must also meet the following requirements:
After a general examination of the donor animal, a small amount of blood is taken from the donor animal. This blood sample is used to check whether the donor and recipient blood are compatible. If this is the case, a small area of skin is shaved at the neck and disinfected for the blood donation. Blood is then collected from the jugular vein in a blood bag or, in cats, in a large syringe. The blood donation only takes 15 minutes. However, the donor animal must remain calm during this time. A sedative injection is necessary for cats and some dogs. Depending on the size of the recipient animal, the following amounts are taken:
The removal of these amounts has little effect on the donor animals. The blood removed is replaced by the body within a short time. However, you should avoid strenuous activity for your animal for up to 24 hours after the blood donation. Dogs should wear a chest harness instead of a collar for a few days. The next blood donation may be made after three months at the earliest.
This widespread viral infection is named after the Hungarian veterinary pathologist Aladar Aujeszky, who first described the disease in 1902. It is caused by the porcine herpesvirus and can affect dogs and cats, as well as cattle, sheep, and goats, and is almost always fatal. The disease, also known as pseudorabies, cannot be transmitted to humans. According to current legislation, pseudorabies is a notifiable animal disease and is controlled by the state.
You love sports—and you love your dog. So why not combine the two? Even if you're looking for competition or new challenges, or want to take your sport to the extreme, you can do it with your canine partner.
Since the urethra narrows significantly towards the tip of the penis in male cats, it can very easily become blocked, a condition known as urethral obstruction. Affected animals are suddenly unable to urinate, resulting in painful and life-threatening urinary retention in the bladder. This is always a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment. Indoor cats are primarily affected, while outdoor cats are much less likely to develop the condition.
It can be so much fun to spend hours grooming our horse. Cleaning the tail, oiling the hooves, and so on... Many four-legged friends also enjoy a day of beauty. Of course, there is a wide range of products you can try out on your horse. There are entire beauty ranges for animals, and you can actually spend a lot of money in equestrian shops. But there are cheaper options. The simplest items from the drugstore can be wonderfully repurposed as horse care products. The same goes for equipment for ground work, fear training, or just for playing with your horse.
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Leech therapy has been known since ancient times. Leeches are now recognized as a medicinal remedy and are used in both human and veterinary medicine to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and thin the blood.
If your cat has a runny nose and is breathing noisily, there may be a harmless cause. However, sometimes this can also be a sign of an illness that requires urgent treatment
The first few weeks with a puppy are exciting—not just for you, but also for your young dog. Soon, the moment will come when you discover the world outside your home together for the first time. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your first walk is a pleasant and safe experience for both of you.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopy, is an allergic skin inflammation that causes severe itching—similar to neurodermatitis in humans. It is triggered by environmental allergens to which genetically predisposed animals react with an overactive immune system.
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds. It is considered friendly, eager to learn, and active—traits that make it a valued family dog. However, in addition to its positive nature, the Labrador also has special requirements that you should be aware of before deciding to get one.
Arthroscopy, also known as joint endoscopy, involves examining a joint from the inside. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic treatment method used in orthopedics that does not require large incisions in the skin (i.e., it is minimally invasive).
A family with two or more children goes through turbulent times until the little ones grow up. When dogs, cats, or rabbits are also part of the family, managing family life can become quite challenging.
