Blood typing – Canine
Sample Required:
Sample Type: Whole blood (EDTA – purple-top)
Test Code: HCBG
Sample Handling:
-Fill EDTA tube as close to the mark as possible. Ensure the blood is mixed with the anticoagulant by gentle inversion of the tube 8-10 times immediately after collection.
-If there is a delay in sending, store samples in the fridge.
Method:
Test detects DEA 1 only.
Background:
-Canine blood groups have historically been identified by the acronym “dog erythrocyte antigen” (DEA), with dogs classified as positive or negative for each DEA. Internationally recognized types include DEA 1, DEA 3, DEA 4, DEA 5, and DEA 7. Dal, Kai 1, and Kai 2 are more recently discovered antigens.
-DEA 1 is currently considered the most important canine RBC antigen because it is common (~50% of dogs carry the antigen), and it is strongly immunogenic. DEA 1.1 and DEA 1.2 used to be considered separate antigens but are now considered to be the same antigen with different levels of expression. Naturally occurring antibodies to RBC antigens are not recognised as being clinically significant in dogs.
Interpretation:
A universal donor dog should be DEA 1-negative. If a DEA 1-negative dog receives blood from a DEA 1-positive dog, anti-DEA 1 antibody formation (sensitisation) may cause delayed haemolysis within 1 – 2 weeks. On subsequent transfusions, exposure to DEA 1-positive blood will cause an acute haemolytic transfusion reaction with destruction of red cells within 12 hours.