02/08/2024
Lets have look at blood types in animals
Blood types (or groups) are determined by specific antigens found on the surface of erythrocytes.
In humans, there is the ABO system of blood types, whereas animals have a variety of different blood types.
Knowledge of blood types in the different species is important as transfusion of incompatible blood (the donor animal has a different blood type from the recipient animal) can result in severe hemolytic transfusion reactions and even death, in some instances.
For Dogs
There are 8 major blood groups in the dog, labeled as DEA (dog erythrocyte antigen) 1 to 8.
As a rule of thumb (but exceptions do exist) - generally a dog can receive it's first blood transfusion without blood-typing done. Thereafter the procedure becomes more challenging and typing is usually required.
For Cats
Only 1 blood group system, the AB system, has been identified in cats. In this system, there are 3 blood types; A, B and AB.
Similar to humans, the blood group antigens are defined by specific carbohydrates on erythrocyte membranes. Cats have naturally occurring antibodies (alloantibodies) which are responsible for potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions.
Due to the presence of naturally occurring antibodies, cats must be cross-matched before their first transfusion (especially in those breeds, most 'exotic cat breeds, with a high incidence of type B or AB blood).
