Frequencies of blood type A, B and AB in non-pedigree domestic cats in Turkey.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the distribution of blood types and to estimate the proportion of matings at risk for neonatal isoerythrolysis in non-pedigree domestic cats.


METHODS
The present survey determined the frequency of blood types in 301 cats from four distinct regions of Turkey. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-anticoagulated blood samples were typed by simple tube and slide agglutination assays. Serum obtained from type B cats and an anti-B solution, prepared with Triticum vulgaris, were used to determine type A and type B blood, respectively.


RESULTS
Of the 301 cats typed, 220 had type A blood, 74 had type B and seven had type AB. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) between the locations of the cats, with fewer type B cats in the eastern than in the western parts of Turkey. Risk for the development of neonatal isoerythrolysis due to A-B mismatch was estimated to be 18.6 per cent.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall type B frequency in Turkish domestic cats is high. Thus, untyped transfusions in these cats carry a high risk of life-threatening acute haemolytic transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis. It is therefore strongly recommended that blood typing be performed before breeding or transfusing in order to minimise blood type incompatibility risks.
Arikan
S
S
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey.
Gurkan
M
M
Ozaytekin
E
E
Dodurka
T
T
Giger
U
U
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D000818:Animals; D001787:Blood Group Incompatibility / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D001947:Breeding; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D002415:Cats / Q000097:blood*; D012307:Risk Factors; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System