Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog develops lung injury and high lung pressure after blood
By Pagnamenta, S et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2025·Clinic for Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Transfusion related acute lung injury and associated transient pulmonary hypertension in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old mixed breed dog developed severe breathing problems a few hours after receiving a blood transfusion due to anemia. The dog experienced acute lung injury, which caused fluid buildup in the lungs and high blood pressure in the lungs. With prompt supportive care from the veterinarian, the dog recovered completely within a few days, showing improvement in both breathing and overall health. While transfusion-related lung injury is rare, it's an important risk to be aware of when your pet needs a blood transfusion.
People also search for: dog breathing problems after blood transfusion · dog lung injury treatment · anemia treatment in dogs
Abstract
Blood transfusions have become very important for supportive treatment of anemic animals. However, blood products are not innocuous substances, even if blood is typed and compatibility evaluated before transfusion. Multiple adverse reactions are possible, and the risk is markedly increased in already critically ill patients. One of the organ systems potentially affected by a blood transfusion is the respiratory tract, including transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI). The present case report describes in detail the development of acute non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and associated severe pulmonary hypertension a few hours after a packed red blood cell transfusion. With supportive care the dog recovered clinically, radiographically, and echocardiographically within days. Though considered rare in veterinary medicine, TRALI is an important potential complication of transfusion of blood products.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40422650/