title: Massive transfusion in dogs: 15 cases (1997-2001).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine clinical characteristics of dogs that received massive transfusion and identify the underlying diseases, complications, and outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  15 dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of dogs receiving a massive blood transfusion were evaluated for transfusion volume, underlying disease process or injury, benefits and complications of transfusion, and outcome. A massive transfusion was defined as transfusion of a volume of blood products in excess of the patient's estimated blood volume (90 ml/kg [40 ml/lb]) in a 24-hour period or transfusion of a volume of blood products in excess of half the patient's estimated blood volume in a 3-hour period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six dogs had intra-abdominal neoplasia resulting in hemoabdomen, 3 had suffered a traumatic incident resulting in hemoabdomen, and 6 had non-traumatic, non-neoplastic blood loss. Mean volumes of packed RBC and fresh-frozen plasma administered were 66.5 ml/kg (30 ml/lb) and 22.2 ml/kg (10 ml/lb), respectively. All dogs evaluated developed low ionized calcium concentrations and thrombocytopenia. Transfusion reactions were recognized in 6 dogs. Four dogs survived to hospital discharge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that massive transfusion is possible and potentially successful in dogs. Predictable changes in electrolyte concentrations and platelet count develop.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
authors.forename: L Ari
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Jutkowitz
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Rozanski
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Moreau
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Rush
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000662:veterinary*; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000628:therapy*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000032:analysis; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes