A retrospective report on xenotransfusion of canine serum albumin in five critically ill cats.

Abstract

This retrospective case series describes the xenotransfusion of canine serum albumin (CSA) in five critically ill cats. Four cats received a single xenotransfusion of CSA, while one cat received two separate xenotransfusions. Overall, two out of five cats (40%) survived long enough to be discharged, which is similar to previously published survival rates for critically ill cats. One cat exhibited clinical signs attributable to acute transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), while two cats showed clinical signs suggestive of a possible, although less likely, transfusion reaction. While a prospective study is needed, the review of the cases presented here suggests that CSA may provide oncotic and hemodynamic support and be safe to administer to critically ill cats.