Use of blood and blood products

Blood transfusions are required when hemorrhage or selective erythrocyte destruction (with subsequent loss of erythrocyte mass) results in clinical signs of diminished oxygen carrying capacity and acute anemic hypoxia. Plasma transfusions are required in severe hypoproteinemic conditions or when failure of passive transfer of maternal antibody (FPTA) occurs in the neonate. In addition, blood component transfusions may also be required to treat decreases in specific plasma proteins, clotting factors, platelets, or leukocytes. Much of the information presented in this article has been obtained from the horse or dog, so some extrapolation from other species is necessary.