Canine Blood Groups: a review

Abstract

This literature review aims to discuss the major blood types of dogs and the particularities of each system, in order to help clinicians to carry out correct blood transfusion procedures and to ensure good survival chances to the patients. DEA groups (Dog Erithrocyte Antigens) 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Dal and Shigeta will be reviewed, with their respective prevalences and its immunogenic characteristics. It is concluded that some canine erythrocyte antigens have higher antigenicity and may cause a major hemolytic reaction, reducing the therapeutic action of blood transfusion or its components in dogs.

Keywords

• immunhematology, canine erythrocyte antigen, transfusion medicine.