Topic:Transfusion
Blood transfusion in horses involves the transfer of blood or blood components from a donor horse to a recipient horse, typically to replace lost blood volume or improve oxygen-carrying capacity. This procedure is commonly employed in cases of acute hemorrhage, severe anemia, or certain coagulopathies. Horses have unique blood group systems, and compatibility testing is essential to minimize the risk of transfusion reactions. The major blood groups in horses include A, C, D, K, P, Q, and U, with various alloantigens within these groups. Crossmatching is a critical step to ensure donor-recipient compatibility. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the techniques, indications, and outcomes of blood transfusion in equine medicine, as well as advances in transfusion practices and the management of potential adverse reactions.
Successful hemodialysis treatment of a Quarter Horse mare with silver maple leaf toxicity and acute kidney injury. An adult American Quarter Horse mare presented for pigmenturia and lethargy of 12 hours' duration and was diagnosed with silver maple leaf toxicity. The mare had intravascular hemolysis and azotemia. The mare was treated with a transfusion of whole blood, fluids administered IV, antibiotics, oxygen insufflation, and supportive care. The azotemia persisted despite conventional medical management and hemodialysis was elected. After 2 intermittent hemodialysis treatments over 3 days, the azotemia almost resolved, clinical signs improved, and the mare was discharged. The blood urea nitrogen, c...
Effect of leukoreduction on the metabolism of equine packed red blood cells during refrigerated storage. Understanding of the biochemical and morphological lesions associated with storage of equine blood is limited. Objective: To demonstrate the temporal sequences of lipid and metabolic profiles of equine fresh and stored (up to 42 days) and leukoreduced packed red blood cells (LR-pRBC) and non-leukoreduced packed RBC (nLR-pRBC). Methods: Packed RBC units were obtained from 6 healthy blood donor horses enrolled in 2 blood banks. Methods: Observational study. Whole blood was collected from each donor using transfusion bags with a LR filter. Leukoreduction pRBC and nLR-pRBC units were obtained an...
A case of equine piroplasmosis in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Equine piroplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. A competition horse that had been imported to the Equestrian Park for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and had a fever over 40°C and severe anemia was diagnosed with equine piroplasmosis by blood smear and direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for Theileria equi. Treatment with protozoan anthelmintics and whole blood transfusion diminished the fever, improved the anemia, and allowed the horse to return home safely. Preparation for routine cases of this infection should include the development of a s...
Blood Transfusion in Equids-A Practical Approach and Review. Transfusion medicine is a crucial part of equine intensive and critical care. Blood transfusions can save lives in both acute and chronic cases of anemia, hemorrhage, and hemolysis. It is vital to have a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the techniques, implications, risks, and complications. This review covers the physiology and pathophysiology of conditions requiring transfusion, as well as step by step guidance for practitioners of all experience levels. This review is designed to serve as a practical reference for those who are treating horses in either the field or ...
Transfusion of hyperimmune plasma for protecting foals against Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. The bacterium Rhodococcus equi causes pneumonia in foals that is prevalent at breeding farms worldwide. In the absence of an effective vaccine, transfusion of commercial plasma from donor horses hyperimmunised against R. equi is used by many farms to reduce the incidence of pneumonia among foals at farms where the disease is endemic. The effectiveness of hyperimmune plasma for controlling R. equi pneumonia in foals has varied considerably among reports. The purposes of this narrative review are: (1) to review early studies that provided a foundational basis for the practice of transfusion of h...
Near-Newtonian Blood Behavior – Is It Good to Be a Camel? From a certain level of exercise-intensity onward, hematocrit increases in horses, which brings more oxygen carriers into the bloodstream. Camels, however, when used in competitive racing could be even in need of iron supplementation and blood transfusions due to a severe reduction of their available hematocrit compared to their resting hematocrit. Since the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical properties of camel erythrocytes (RBC) are so different compared to RBCs of other mammals, the question arises whether this observation might be a response to endurance exercise aiming at keeping the RBC ...
Survival Time of Cross-Match Incompatible Red Blood Cells in Adult Horses. There is a markedly reduced half-life of transfused RBCs when donor and recipient cats or humans are cross-match incompatible. Only 10-20% of horses have naturally occurring alloantibodies. Therefore, cross-match testing before blood transfusion is not always performed. Objective: Cross-match incompatibility predicts shortened RBC survival time as compared to that of compatible or autologous blood. Methods: Twenty healthy adult horses. Methods: Prospective trial. Blood type, anti-RBC antibody screen (before and 1 month after transfusion) and major and minor cross-match determined 10 donor-reci...
Identification, management and outcome of postoperative hemoperitoneum in 23 horses after emergency exploratory celiotomy for gastrointestinal disease. To investigate postoperative hemoperitoneum in a population of horses that had surgery for colic. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 23). Methods: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information was obtained from medical records (1985-2012) of horses with postoperative hemoperitoneum after emergency exploratory celiotomy. Pre-existing hemoperitoneum during surgery and nonsurgical hemoperitoneum were excluded. Results: Of 4520 horses that had emergency exploratory celiotomy for gastrointestinal disease, 23 horses met inclusion criteria; an incidence of 0.5%. Ho...
Acute hemorrhage and blood transfusions in horses. Treatment of acute hemorrhage in the horse involves targeted medical management and also may involve surgical stabilization. This article provides an approach to the initial stabilization and information on available topical hemostats. The practice of blood collection and transfusion is also described, with attention to new information on viability of transfused equine blood, potential negative effects of blood transfusion, and methods of cell salvage.
Clostridial myonecrosis, haemolytic anaemia, hepatopathy, osteitis and transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy after intramuscular injection in a Thoroughbred gelding. A 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was presented for swelling over the left neck and inappetence. There was recent history of intramuscular administration of flunixin meglumine into the left neck. On examination, there was evidence of focal myositis, anaemia, haemolysis and pigmenturia. Culture of aspirated fluid from the left side of the neck produced a heavy growth of a Clostridium species. Complications of infection included haemolytic anaemia, hepatopathy, osteitis and transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Treatment included intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, ...
Post-transfusion survival of biotin-labeled allogeneic RBCs in adult horses. Post-transfusion survival of allogeneic RBCs has been reported to be much shorter in horses than in other species. We hypothesized that post-transfusion survival of biotinylated allogeneic equine RBCs would be greater than the survival previously reported from studies using radioactive RBC-labeling techniques. Objective: The study objective was to determine post-transfusion survival of N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-biotin-labeled allogeneic equine RBCs transfused into adult horses. Methods: Horses were adults and included 5 donors and 5 recipients. All horses were blood-typed, and donors were pai...
Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia and neonatal isoerythrolysis in a Thoroughbred colt. A 3-day-old Thoroughbred colt was originally presented for treatment of neonatal isoerythrolysis, which was treated with a blood transfusion. However, persistent neutropenia was observed despite the absence of detectable infection. Subsequently, a granulocyte agglutination test was performed by incubating the colt's neutrophils with the mare's serum; results were positive, leading to a clinical diagnosis of alloimmune neonatal neutropenia. The diagnosis was further supported via flow cytometric analysis. The colt was hospitalized and treated prophylactically with antimicrobials and 4 separate ...
Presumed immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in two foals with Rhodococcus equi infection. To describe the clinical presentation, case management, and outcome in 2 foals with Rhodococcus equi infection associated with presumptive severe immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Methods: Two foals diagnosed with R. equi pneumonia on the basis of tracheal wash cultures, thoracic radiographs, and thoracic ultrasonography were concurrently diagnosed with hemolytic anemia. Both foals required whole blood transfusions, and were treated with the antimicrobial combination of rifampin and a macrolide (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin, or azithromycin). Dexamethasone was used to prevent further hemol...
The effects of deferoxamine mesylate on iron elimination after blood transfusion in neonatal foals. Hepatic failure is one of the more common complications in foals requiring blood transfusion to treat neonatal isoerythrolysis. Iron intoxication is likely the cause of hepatic injury. Objective: To determine the effects of deferoxamine on iron elimination in normal foals. Methods: Thirteen neonatal foals. Methods: Randomized-controlled trial. At 1-3 days of age, foals received either 3 L of washed packed dam's red blood cells (RBC) or 3 L of saline IV once. Foals were treated with deferoxamine (1 g) or saline (5 mL) SC twice daily for 14 days. Foals were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 gr...
Incidence of transfusion reactions to commercial equine plasma. To report on the incidence of transfusion reactions to commercial equine plasma in a hospital-based population of horses, to characterize these reactions and report on outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: University teaching hospital. Methods: Client-owned horses referred to the University of Wisconsin. Methods: Intravenous administration of 2 commercial equine plasma products when clinically indicated. Results: Medical records of 107 horses that received plasma transfusions between 2003 and 2008 were evaluated. Transfusion reactions were recorded in 6 of 107 transfusions. All indiv...
Factors associated with outcome in foals with neonatal isoerythrolysis (72 cases, 1988-2003). Neonatal foals with isoerythrolysis (NI) often die, but the risk factors for death have not been identified. Objective: To identify factors associated with outcome in foals with NI and to identify factors associated with death from liver failure or kernicterus in the same population. Methods: Seventy-two foals with NI examined at referral institutions. Methods: Retrospective case series. Information on signalment, clinical examination findings, laboratory testing, treatment, complications, outcome, and necropsy results were obtained. Results: The overall survival rate was 75% (54 of 72). Liver...
Storage of equine red blood cells as a concentrate. The study was undertaken to determine how equine red blood cells (RBCs) survive in storage bags designed for use with human RBCs. Separated RBCs were stored in a routine manner for 35 days and examined every 7 days for storage lesions. Measured parameters included haematology, haemolysis, pH, potassium, lactate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG). All tests were performed in vitro. Haematology did not change significantly. Haemolysis increased during storage but did not exceed human limits. pH and 2,3-DPG decreased, while lactate, potassium and ATP increased. RBC...
Neonatal isoerythrolysis in horse foals and a mule foal: 18 cases (1988-2003). To assess data regarding clinical features, clinicopathologic and blood gas variables, and outcome from horse and mule foals with confirmed neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 17 horse and 1 mule foals. Methods: Medical records of foals (< 14 days old) with NI were reviewed. Information collected included signalment; clinical examination findings; results of hematologic, serum and plasma biochemical, and venous blood gas analyses and urinalysis; treatments; and outcome. Results: Data from 17 horse foals and 1 mule foal with NI (mean age, 71 hours) were e...
Life-threatening hemorrhage from enterotomies and anastomoses in 7 horses. To report our experience with horses that presumptively had severe intraluminal hemorrhage from enterotomy or anastomosis. Methods: Clinical study. Methods: Six adult horses and 1 adult donkey. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the University of Illinois (April 1994 to December 2001) to determine the clinical course and outcome of horses with melena and/or anemia and evidence of life-threatening hemorrhage from intestinal incisions. Medical records of all horses that had colic surgery were reviewed to determine the proportion of horses with this complication. In addition, horses ...
Severe nasal hemorrhage in an anesthetized horse. An 8-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with colic was anesthetized for surgical correction of right dorsal displacement of the ascending colon. Removal of the nasogastric tube at the end of surgery resulted in hemorrhage from the nares and loss of 24 L of blood. Treatment included administration of acetated Ringer's solution, hypertonic saline solution, and dobutamine. A blood transfusion was started after hemorrhage was controlled, and arterial pressure was restored to the prehemorrhage value, but was stopped after infusion of 2.7 L of blood because of a suspected adverse reaction. This case indi...
Use of a bovine hemoglobin preparation in the treatment of cyclic ovarian hemorrhage in a miniature horse. Anemia that was secondary to ovarian hemorrhage in a 4-year-old miniature horse mare was treated prior to laparotomy with polymerized ultrapurified bovine hemoglobin (PUBH). Two previous whole-blood transfusions had resulted in acute transfusion reaction, and a suitable blood donor could not be found among 9 horses, necessitating use of the blood substitute. Subsequent blood typing revealed the mare to be Aa-negative, with allo-antibodies against Aa in serum. Serious adverse reactions were not observed after infusion of PUBH, and the mare recovered. Although the safety and efficacy of using PU...
The use of ascorbic acid in the treatment of 2 cases of red maple (Acer rubrum)-poisoned horses. Two horses with red maple (Acer rubrum) toxicity responded to treatment with high doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), in addition to blood transfusions, and intravenous fluid therapy. The clinical course included Heinz body anemia, marked methemoglobinemia, depression, and evidence of severe tissue anoxia. Clinical recovery was dramatic with stabilization achieved 36 hours following the initiation of ascorbic acid therapy.
Post-transfusion survival of 50Cr-labeled erythrocytes in neonatal foals. Erythrocytes transfused allogeneically into mature horses have a short survival (less than 4 days) compared with an expected erythrocyte life span of 140-150 days. Yet, foals undergo transfusions for neonatal isoerythrolysis successfully. The authors have determined the survival of transfused erythrocytes in neonatal foals, using the stable isotope, 50Cr, to label the erythrocytes. Normal foals underwent transfusions with labeled erythrocytes from three sources: their own erythrocytes (autologous), the erythrocytes of their dam, and the erythrocytes of an unrelated castrated male. After transf...
Disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with colic in 23 horses (1984-1989). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) secondary to colic was diagnosed in 23 horses. Each horse was categorized retrospectively as to the cause of the colic based on surgical and/or necropsy findings: group 1 consisted of 14 horses with compromised intestine that required resection and anastomosis; group 2 consisted of 3 horses with nonstrangulating intestinal displacement and/or impactions; and group 3 consisted of 6 horses with colic associated with enteritis and/or colitis. Horses were considered to be affected with DIC if at least three of five hemostatic parameters were significant...
Protection against naturally acquired Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals by administration of hyperimmune plasma. A 2-year field study was performed to determine the capability of increasing Rhodococcus equi specific antibody in foals via plasma transfusion or mare vaccination, to determine the kinetics of R. equi (ELISA) antibody decay and to assess the protective effects of these procedures in foals on a farm endemic for R. equi. Plasma donors were vaccinated with a killed R. equi bacterin and produced high levels of anti-R. equi antibodies, which were harvested by plasmapheresis. In Experiment 1, 68 foals were given 1 litre of hyperimmune plasma intravenously (i.v.) between 1-60 days of age. Foal plasm...
[Heteroimmune hemolytic anemia associated with antilymphocyte globulin treatment in a patient with aplastic anemia]. A 24-year-old male patient with a severe aplastic anemia (SAA) was treated with equine-antilymphocyte globulin (ALG). As complication of this treatment he developed a severe heteroimmune hemolytic anemia mediated by anti-species pan-agglutinin antibodies present in ALG. In spite of the fact that ALG is absorbed with red-cell stroma and platelets to remove anti-erythrocyte and anti-platelet contaminating antibodies, often only partial absorption is achieved, and the remaining antibodies are passively acquired by the recipient. Neutropenia and especially thrombocytopenia are usual complications ...
[Compilation of experiences with intensive management of newborn foals]. Since 1980 techniques specifically designed to treat human neonatal diseases have also started to be applied to ill or premature equine newborns. These techniques will be described and their application to the most common equine neonatal disorders will be discussed. Such techniques include: post-natal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, exogenous thermal support, administration of broad spectrum antibiotics after diagnostic studies, supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluid and electrolyte therapy, blood component transfusion and total parenteral nutrition.
Clinical survey of antibodies against red blood cells in horses after homologous blood transfusion. Serum samples of 20 horses were evaluated for antibodies against RBC after homologous blood transfusion. Transfusion-associated antibodies against RBC were detected in 10 horses. Antibodies recognizing horse blood group antigens Aa, Ae, Db, and Dc were identified. Antibodies against Aa were found in all samples from Aa-negative horses that were transfused with Aa-positive RBC. Antibodies against Aa persisted for at least 1 year after transfusion. Antibodies against Ae were detected in 7 of 8 horses transfused with Ae-positive RBC. Initial appearance and persistence of antibodies against Ae dif...
Uterine rupture as a postpartum complication in two mares. Uterine rupture was diagnosed in 2 postpartum mares with hemorrhagic vaginal discharge. Both mares had abdominal pain, as evidenced by pawing, kicking at the abdomen, or attempting to roll. Peritoneal fluid analysis was useful in establishing a diagnosis. One mare had many RBC in the peritoneal fluid and was anemic; this mare was managed medically with oxytocin, antibiotics, and blood transfusion. The mare was able to raise her foal to weaning age. The second mare had many RBC, degenerate neutrophils, and intracellular and extracellular bacteria in peritoneal fluid. Surgical repair of the uter...
Carriers of equine infectious anemia virus. Presently available data continue to support the idea that once a horse is infected with equine infectious anemia virus it remains infected indefinitely. Infection may not always be demonstrated by inoculation of plasma, serum, or whole blood transfusions into susceptible recipients, but transfusions of fresh whole blood will be infective in at least 95% of the horses testing positive in the agar gel immunodiffusion test. For detection of infectivity in a small percentage of inapparent carriers, it appears necessary to inoculate washed leukocytes collected over a period of time.