Why a dog ends up needing blood
These are the conditions behind most transfusions in dogs. Each page explains the disease in plain language, why blood or plasma is part of treatment, and links the peer-reviewed research so you can read what your vet is reading.
IMHAWhat IMHA is, why dogs with it need blood transfusions, the warning signs, how it's treated, and what the research says about survival.ITPWhen a dog's immune system destroys its platelets, it can't clot. Signs, treatment, and why some dogs need transfusions.Rat poisonAnticoagulant rodenticides stop a dog's blood from clotting. How it happens, what to watch for, and why plasma and blood transfusions save lives.Bleeding tumorsSplenic masses and hemangiosarcoma can rupture and bleed into the abdomen with no warning. What happens, and why blood is needed for surgery.Clotting disordersInherited bleeding disorders in dogs, the breeds most affected, and how plasma and cryoprecipitate transfusions get them through surgery and injuries.ParvoParvo destroys the gut lining and bone marrow. Why some puppies get plasma, and what the trials found.BabesiaBabesia parasites live inside red blood cells and destroy them. Who gets it, how it's found, and why severe cases need transfusions.Plasma exchangeA machine filters the antibodies out of a dog's blood and replaces the plasma with donated plasma. How TPE works, which dogs get it, where it's offered, and what the studies show.Transfusions 101Blood types in dogs, what's in a unit of blood, cross-matching, transfusion reactions, and how donors are screened to keep recipients safe.
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Veterinarians, researchers and companies: if there's a condition or treatment you'd like covered, or research we should cite, get in touch. Sponsored education is welcome when it's clearly labeled and scientifically reviewed.