Evaluation of an 18-micron filter for use in reptile blood transfusions using blood from American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2011

Abstract

Blood transfusions are a common therapeutic procedure in small animal medicine and have been investigated in some exotic species but little information is available about their safety and efficacy in reptiles. In human pediatrics and small animal practice, the Hemo-Nate18-micro filter is used to prevent embolic clots and particulate waste from entering the recipient during a transfusion. The goal of this study was to determine the hemolytic effect of an 18-micro Hemo-Nate filter for whole blood cell transfusions in reptiles using the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) as a reptilian model. Results revealed no significant difference in free plasma hemoglobin between the unfiltered and filtered samples (P = 0.21). There was no difference in the prefiltration and postfiltration packed cell volume (PCV) (P = 0.41). Results suggest that an 18-micro Hemo-Nate filter does not cause hemolysis or decrease the PCV of small quantities of alligator blood.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians

First Page

236

Last Page

40

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS