Indications for use and complications associated with canine plasma products in 170 patients

Objectives To describe a population of dogs receiving canine plasma products (PP), report the incidence of transfusion reactions (TR), and to identify whether this is higher when non-type-matched plasma is administered. Design Retrospective study conducted on dogs receiving canine PP between March 2016 and January 2018. Setting Private referral hospital with first opinion emergency clinic. Animals One hundred and ninety-four privately owned dogs identified from the clinic electronic medical record system that received at least 1 unit of canine PP during the study period; 25 patients were excluded due to incomplete records. Interventions None. Measurements and main results A search of computerized records was performed, identifying any patients that received canine PP between 2016 and 2018; clinical notes were examined to identify the number and type of TR associated. One hundred and sixty-nine cases were included in the study, receiving a total of 412 PP transfusions. Reactions were noted in 4% (17/412) of transfusions administered, with the vast majority being mild in nature. Of the TR identified, a greater proportion were in type-matched PP transfusions than non-type-matched, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.7989). The number of dogs suffering a TR was higher (13%) when multiple units of plasma were administered than if only 1 unit was transfused (5%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.1161). Transfusion reactions were more likely to occur when packed red blood cells were also administered, although this was also not statistically significant (P = 0.07). Conclusion Administration of canine plasma products appears to be a safe procedure that carries a low risk of transfusion reactions. Type-matching of canine PP appears unnecessary and does not reduce incidence of TR in dogs.