13 blood type groups have been identified in dogs. Dogs can have more
than one blood type. Typing sera is available for dog erythrocyte
antigens (DEA) 1.1, 1.2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Typing cards can be used to
screen dogs for type DEA 1.1, but having further testing done by a
commercial lab is recommended.
DEA 1.1, 1.2 and 7 are the most antigenic blood types. If DEA 1.1 or
1.2 + blood is given to a negative dog that has been previously
sensitized through transfusion, pregnancy or existence of natural
isoantibodies (a rarity), a fatal acute hemolytic crisis may occur. DEA
1.1 + blood is more immunogenic than DEA 1.2 +.
A universal canine donor tests + for only DEA 4. Ideally only
universal donors would be included in a donor programs, but most
commonly donors are DEA 1.1, 1.2 and 7 -. Dogs that are DEA 1.1+ may be
used as donors if the recipient is DEA 1.1+.
Dogs rarely have isoantibodies against other blood types, so in
MOST cases, it is safe to give a dog a blood transfusion without
blood typing the donor and recipient or cross matching prior to the
transfusion. Despite this, it is recommended that all recipients be
cross matched prior to receiving a blood transfusion (particularly dogs
which have received a previous blood transfusion, which are a breeding
bitch or which previously whelped).
