XENOTRANSFUSION IN AN ISLAND FOX (UROCYON LITTORALIS CLEMENTAE) USING BLOOD FROM A DOMESTIC DOG (CANIS LUPUS FAMILIARIS).
Successful xenotransfusion in an island fox ( Urocyon littoralis clementae) has not been previously reported but may be necessary in an emergency. An 11-yr-old male, intact, captive island fox was exhibiting clinical signs of rattlesnake envenomation including hypoperfusion, tachypnea, facial edema, and multifocal facial and cervical ecchymosis. Blood work revealed severe thrombocytopenia (18 K/μl) and anemia (Hct 15.8%). A presumptive diagnosis of rattlesnake ( Crotalus sp.) envenomation was made. Initial treatment included oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, antibiotics, antacids, pain medications, and polyvalent crotalid anti-venom. Emergency xenotransfusion using whole blood (45 ml) from a domestic dog was used due to worsening clinical signs from anemia. No acute or delayed transfusion reactions were observed in the fox and the patient made a full recovery 5 days later. Successful xenotransfusion in an island fox using whole blood from a domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris) is possible and may be lifesaving.
Molly E
ME
Martony
Kristian J
KJ
Krause
Scott H
SH
Weldy
Stephen A
SA
Simpson
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood*; D005589:Foxes; D008297:Male; D012909:Snake Bites / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013045:Species Specificity
Anemia; Urocyon littoralis clementae; blood transfusion; island fox; xenotransfusion