Circulation
Heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, mucous membranes and capillary refill time.
Protocol
Transfusion Monitoring
Step-by-step monitoring during transfusion β parameters and frequency.
Follow every stage
Compare findings with the patientβs baseline. A new change needs assessment, even within a reference range.
Breathing
Rate, respiratory effort and oxygenation when available.
Temperature
Record before starting and compare the trend.
Behaviour and skin
Watch for restlessness, vomiting, itching, swelling and altered consciousness.
Assessment schedule
| Stage | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Before starting | Record baseline parameters and risk factors. |
| First hour | Assess vital signs every 15 minutes; continuous observation at the start. |
| Until completion | At least hourly; increase frequency according to clinical condition. |
| After completion | Reassess at 15 minutes, 1 hour and 24 hours; promptly investigate new signs. |
Administration
PBB reference rates for stable dogs: start 0.5β1 mL/kg/h for 15β30 minutes; if tolerated, consider 5β10 mL/kg/h. Circulatory compromise requires a slower plan (reference: 1β2 mL/kg/h). Unstable haemorrhage and feline patients require individual planning.
| Component | Start Β· 15β30 min | Maintenance Β· stable dog | Limit after access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Whole Blood | 0.5β1 mL/kg/h | 5β10 mL/kg/h | Within 4 h |
| Stored Whole Blood | 0.5β1 mL/kg/h | 5β10 mL/kg/h | Within 4 h |
| Packed Red Blood Cells | 0.5β1 mL/kg/h | 5β10 mL/kg/h | Within 4 h |
| Fresh Frozen Plasma | 0.5β1 mL/kg/h | 5β10 mL/kg/h | Within 4 h |
| Cryoprecipitate | 0.5β1 mL/kg/h | 5β10 mL/kg/h | Within 4 h |
| Platelet Concentrate | 0.5β1 mL/kg/h | According to bleeding and tolerance | Within 2 h |
Product preparation and precautions
Fresh Whole Blood
No thawing step. Check integrity, identification and time since collection before releasing the unit.
Stored Whole Blood
Remove from refrigeration close to use. Warming is not automatic; when indicated, use controlled equipment, with the water bath no hotter than 37Β°C per PBB.
Packed Red Blood Cells
Remove from refrigeration close to use. Warming is not automatic; when indicated, use controlled equipment, with the water bath no hotter than 37Β°C per PBB.
Fresh Frozen Plasma
Thaw without damaging the bag and protect ports from water; monitored bath up to 37Β°C (PBB). Check for leaks before connecting.
Cryoprecipitate
Thaw without damaging the bag and protect ports from water; monitored bath up to 37Β°C (PBB). Check for leaks before connecting.
Platelet Concentrate
Confirm whether the product is fresh or cryopreserved before handling; do not apply red-cell preparation to platelets.
Pet Blood Bank UK β Canine blood component table
Infusion planning
Prescribe the rate for each patient and product. Use appropriate access and filtration with equipment approved for blood. Do not mix medication in the bag or transfusion line. Patients at risk of overload need special attention.
Observed signs and initial assessment
Signs can have more than one cause. Stop and assess before classifying a reaction; links lead to the specific investigation.
Febrile non-haemolytic reaction
New fever: exclude haemolysis and infection before assigning FNHTR.
Pause and compare temperature with baseline; investigate hemolysis and contamination before considering resumption.
Clinical detailsCirculatory overload
Respiratory signs with volume overload; assess circulation and congestion.
Stop and assess congestion; provide oxygen support and consider a diuretic after veterinary assessment.
Clinical detailsAllergic reaction, including anaphylaxis
Itching, swelling or vomiting; respiratory or circulatory compromise is an emergency.
Pause and assess airway, breathing and perfusion. Anaphylaxis requires emergency treatment, not observation alone.
Clinical detailsAcute haemolytic reaction
Red cell destruction: investigate incompatibility and non-immune product damage.
Stop, check identity and compatibility; assess hemolysis in the patient and bag and stabilize circulation.
Clinical detailsHypocalcaemia / citrate toxicity
Assess ionised calcium, particularly with massive or rapid transfusion.
Measure ionized calcium and assess cardiac rhythm; correct under monitoring through access separate from blood.
Clinical detailsHypotensive reaction
Blood pressure drop: exclude bleeding, anaphylaxis and other causes.
Stop and confirm blood pressure; assess perfusion, hemorrhage, hemolysis, sepsis and anaphylaxis.
Clinical detailsProcedure checklist
Checkmarks are for use on this page only; document the procedure in the patient record.
References
Suspected reaction: assessment sequence
- Stop and assess the patient
- Stabilize according to presentation
- Check patient, product and records
- Investigate and document before deciding whether to restart
Educational use: product selection, volume and rate require individual veterinary assessment. Follow your service protocol and supplier instructions.