Investigate and treat anaemia
Identify causes, monitor trends and correct diagnosed deficiencies.
- Investigate the cause and course of anemia.
- Correct deficiencies only when diagnosed.
- Plan testing and blood availability before elective procedures.
PBM
Patient Blood Management
Strategies to optimize blood use and reduce unnecessary transfusion exposures.
PBM organises care around the patient and preservation of their blood. Its three pillars come from human medicine; veterinary application must consider species and available evidence.
Reduce losses
Plan haemostasis, limit unnecessary sampling and anticipate perioperative bleeding.
- Plan hemostasis before procedures.
- Reduce laboratory sampling volume and unnecessary repeats.
- Track blood loss and control its source.
Individualise decisions
Assess perfusion, clinical signs, comorbidities and response to supportive measures.
- Consider perfusion, comorbidities and clinical signs.
- Document the transfusion goal and reassessment plan.
- Reassess the response before prescribing further units.
When to consider transfusion?
Haematocrit alone does not decide. Consider trends, cause of anaemia, bleeding, circulatory stability and signs of inadequate oxygen delivery. PBM must not delay a necessary transfusion.
PBM goals in practice
Planning
Anticipate needs and document decisions.
Careful use
Track product use and wastage.
Continuity
Reassess the patient and document adverse events.
Care goals, not a promise of reduced mortality in dogs and cats.
From principles to practice
Planning examples adapted to veterinary practice; the three pillars originate in human medicine and do not define universal animal transfusion thresholds.
Before an elective procedure
Investigate anemia and bleeding history in advance. Record necessary tests, anticipated risk and compatible product availability.
During hospitalization
Plan laboratory sampling frequency and volume, avoid unnecessary repeats and track losses. Control the source of bleeding and reassess hemostasis.
When deciding to transfuse
Consider impaired oxygen delivery, anemia progression and comorbidities. Define the goal and reassessment; hematocrit alone does not decide treatment.
Track process quality
- Documented indication and goal
- Recorded compatibility and traceability
- Volume used and discarded
- Clinical response and reported reactions
Frequently asked questions
Does PBM mean avoiding every transfusion?
No. It means selecting appropriate care and reducing unnecessary exposure.
Is there a mandatory haematocrit threshold?
No single value replaces individual clinical assessment.
Is iron appropriate for every anaemia?
No. Investigate the cause before choosing treatment.
How can a practice start?
Standardise assessment, record the rationale and review response and adverse events.
References
Educational use: product selection, volume and rate require individual veterinary assessment. Follow your service protocol and supplier instructions.