Transfusion therapy

Transfusion therapy refers to the administration of donated components of blood (such as plasma or red blood cells) into a patient. Conditions that may warrant a transfusion, include blood loss, hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells), or clotting abnormalities. Blood products may be taken from a hospital blood donor program or from a third party veterinary blood bank. Our blood donors are screened for infectious diseases and other illnesses to insure safety of blood products for our critically ill patients. Cats are blood typed prior to transfusion due to risk of severe reaction if a product of the wrong blood type is administered. Patients receiving blood products are closely monitored for evidence of reaction and treated appropriately if a reaction is noted.