Autologous blood collection and transfusion in cats undergoing partial craniectomy

Objective-To describe the procedure for autologous blood donation and assoc iated complications in cats undergoing partial craniectomy for mass removal . Design-Prospective case series. Animals-15 cats with intracranial mass confirmed by computed tomographic sc an, no evidence of renal failure, and PCV greater than or equal to 22%. Procedure-One unit (60 ml) of blood was collected and stored 7 to 17 days b efore surgery and transfused during the perioperative period if needed. The PCV was measured before donation, before surgery, during surgery, and afte r surgery to assess effect of donation on PCV before surgery and effect of transfusion on PCV after surgery. Cats were evaluated for donation complica tions, iatrogenic anemia, and adverse reactions associated with administrat ion of autologous blood. Results-Complications associated with phlebotomy were not detected. Fifteen cats underwent partial craniectomy 7 to 17 days after blood donation; all had histologic confirmation of meningioma by examination of tissue obtained at surgery. Eleven cats received autologous blood transfusions. None of th e cats received allogeneic blood transfusions. Transfusion reactions were n ot observed. Subclinical iatrogenic anemia was detected in 3 cats. Two cats were considered to have received excessive transfusion, and 3 cats receive d inadequate transfusion. All cats undergoing partial craniectomy were disc harged from the hospital and were alive > 6 months after surgery. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Autologous blood donation before surgery was considered safe for cats undergoing partial craniectomy for resection of meningioma. The only complication observed was iatrogenic anemia. The pr ocedure contributed to blood conservation in our hospital.