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Successful xenotransfusion in a domestic ferret with spontaneous hemoperitoneum using feline packed red blood cells
Author(s) -
Bell Amy L.,
Gladden Jay N.,
Graham Jennifer E.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of veterinary emergency and critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.886
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1476-4431
pISSN - 1479-3261
DOI - 10.1111/vec.12943
Subject(s) - medicine , packed red blood cells , hemoperitoneum , cats , anesthesia , blood transfusion , hypertonic saline , anemia , tachycardia , surgery
Objective To describe the diagnosis, management, and outcome of a ferret with spontaneous hemoperitoneum with surgical intervention and xenotransfusion of type A feline packed red blood cells (pRBCs). Case Summary A domestic ferret diagnosed with a spontaneous hemoperitoneum secondary to a hepatic mass received isotonic crystalloids, hypertonic saline, and an allogenic blood transfusion perioperatively. Postoperatively, the ferret developed progressive anemia and tachycardia refractory to fluid therapy and, given a lack of additional allogenic blood sources, received a xenotransfusion of feline pRBCs. The ferret was hospitalized for 4 days postoperatively and developed a presumed delayed transfusion reaction characterized by transient hyperbilirubinemia. At a 6‐month recheck, the ferret was doing well clinically. New or Unique Information Provided This is the first reported case of successful xenotransfusion of feline pRBCs in a ferret. Although xenotransfusion of ferrets with feline blood products is not recommended as a routine procedure, it remains a viable option in critical situations in which ferret blood is unavailable.