Autologous blood collection and transfusion in cats undergoing partial craniectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the procedure for autologous blood donation and associated complications in cats undergoing partial craniectomy for mass removal.


METHODS
Prospective case series.


METHODS
15 cats with intracranial mass confirmed by computed tomographic scan, no evidence of renal failure, and PCV > or = 22%.


METHODS
One unit (60 ml) of blood was collected and stored 7 to 17 days before surgery and transfused during the perioperative period if needed. The PCV was measured before donation, before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery to assess effect of donation on PCV before surgery and effect of transfusion on PCV after surgery. Cats were evaluated for donation complications, iatrogenic anemia, and adverse reactions associated with administration of autologous blood.


RESULTS
Complications associated with phlebotomy were not detected. Fifteen cats underwent partial craniectomy 7 to 17 days after blood donation; all had histologic confirmation of meningioma by examination of tissue obtained at surgery. Eleven cats received autologous blood transfusions. None of the cats received allogeneic blood transfusions. Transfusion reactions were not observed. Subclinical iatrogenic anemia was detected in 3 cats. Two cats were considered to have received excessive transfusion, and 3 cats received inadequate transfusion. All cats undergoing partial craniectomy were discharged from the hospital and were alive > 6 months after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Autologous blood donation before surgery was considered safe for cats undergoing partial craniectomy for resection of meningioma. The only complication observed was iatrogenic anemia. The procedure contributed to blood conservation in our hospital.
Fusco
J V
JV
Department of Surgery, Bobst Hospital of the Animal Medical Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Hohenhaus
A E
AE
Aiken
S W
SW
Joseph
R J
RJ
Berg
J M
JM
D000740:Anemia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000601:surgery*; D002415:Cats; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000097:blood / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D010092:Oximetry / Q000662:veterinary; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007501:Iron