title: Feline blood transfusions: A pinker shade of pale.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  blood transfusions are a potentially life-saving procedure that are within the reach of most small animal practitioners. Only minimal equipment is required.
  
  
  METHODS
  any cat with clinical signs attributable to a reduced red blood cell mass that is affecting oxygen transport (as a result of reduced packed cell volume or acute blood loss) is a potential candidate for a transfusion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  although the principles of transfusion medicine are not complicated, there can be fatal consequences if certain steps are omitted.
  
  
  METHODS
  blood typing kits and blood filters are readily available from veterinary wholesalers, laboratories and blood banking services.
  
  
  METHODS
  over the past three decades, a substantial body of clinical research and reports has built up covering feline blood types and transfusion medicine. This article draws on that research to provide clinical guidance aimed at all veterinarians in feline or small animal practice who either currently practise transfusion medicine or plan to do so.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK. dbarfield@rvc.ac.uk
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barfield
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Adamantos
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000662:veterinary; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D002415:Cats; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary