Blood Groups in Dogs
In cases where immediate intervention is required such as in bleeding accidents, shock and coma, it is very useful to have the blood groups of their dogs determined beforehand by the animal owners. This will help with blood transfusions which are necessary for the treatment of various diseases that cause anemia. Blood groups are determined by various molecules on the surface of red blood cells.
At least 6 types of blood groups called dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) have been identified in dogs. Of these, it is the DEA II group that is considered the most important for dogs.
Dogs that are DEA II negative are considered universal donors who can donate blood to both DEA II positive and DEA II negative dogs.
DEA II positive dogs can only give blood to DEA II positive dogs.
Most dogs are of the DEA II positive blood group. Very few dogs are DEA II negative.
Most dogs are of the DEA II positive blood group. Very few dogs are DEA II negative.
Especially among Boxer, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Pit Bull, German Shepherd breed dogs , the probability of being negative for DEA II is high.
Blood Groups in Cats
Just like dogs, cats need blood transfusions from time to time. It is seen that it is much simpler when looking at blood groups in cats.
Cats have blood groups A, B and rarely AB. 90-95% of the cat population in America is in group A. In Australia, the number of cats with B blood group is quite high. Cats from groups A and B cannot donate blood to each other. In this case, the result can be fatal. Group AB is the general recipient. (Can receive blood from groups A and B)
