Blood Groups - Dog

See also:

Transfusion Medicine - Introduction Blood Collection for Transfusion Blood Groups - Cat

The most widely used blood grouping system is the Dog Erythrocyte Antigen system (DEA)and within this system eight blood groups exist. DEA 1 (DEA 1.1 DEA 1.2), DEA2 - DEA 7. DEA 1.1 and DEA 1.2 are the most antigenic.

Alloantibodies

Unlike cats dogs do not have natural alloantibodies against other blood groups unless a transfusion has been performed. There is no major risk for the first transfusion and consequently unlike the cat compatibility tests are not required. Following the first transfusion of blood, alloantibodies form within 5-7 days. If a second tranfusion is required 5 days later than the original transfusion compatibility tests are required.