Use of a cell saver device for perioperative autotransfusion in 102 dogs and one cat.

Cell saver autotransfusion is safe and effective in dogs, reducing allogeneic blood product needs with a 1% reaction rate.

This retrospective study evaluated the use of a cell saver device (CSD) for perioperative autotransfusion in 102 dogs and one cat across 103 procedures, encompassing both emergency (n=40) and elective (n=63) surgeries. The CSD processes shed blood intraoperatively, washes and concentrates red blood cells, and returns them to the patient as autologous blood. The mean transfusion volume was 14 mL/kg, and a clinically useful dose-response relationship was established: for every 1 mL/kg transfused, packed cell volume (PCV) increased by approximately 0.6%. This predictable response aids clinicians in estimating required transfusion volumes. Allogeneic blood products (ABPs) were required as a supplement in only 14% of cases, indicating that the CSD substantially reduced dependence on donor blood. The transfusion reaction rate was notably low at 1%, suggesting a favorable safety profile compared to allogeneic transfusions, which carry higher immunological risks. The technique demonstrated versatility across a wide range of surgical indications. Limitations include the retrospective design, lack of a control group, and the inclusion of only a single feline case, which precludes meaningful conclusions regarding feline safety and efficacy. Overall, autotransfusion via CSD represents a viable, safe, and effective alternative or adjunct to ABPs in canine surgical patients, with potential benefits including reduced transfusion reactions, conservation of blood bank resources, and applicability in both planned and emergency settings. Further prospective studies and feline-specific research are warranted.

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