Whole blood transfusions in small ruminants: supplies, collection, and administration

Objective To demonstrate how to collect and administer a whole blood transfusion in small ruminants. Animals Healthy adult small ruminants should be used as donors. Methods For blood collection, the goat or sheep should be restrained manually, or with a halter, and the jugular vein clipped and aseptically prepped. The venipuncture site can be numbed with 2% lidocaine. The needle should be connected to a primed collection bag, using either a prefilled bag or an empty bag to which anticoagulant was added. The jugular vein is occluded distal to the insertion site and the needle inserted into the vein. Blood should flow through the line readily into the collection bag; the intended volume can be collected with the use of a scale. Donors that are difficult to restrain may benefit from IV catheter placement. Blood should be administered with a blood filter administration set to remove clots, fibrin, and debris. Initially, blood should be administered at a slower rate for the first 20 minutes, with regular monitoring for acute reactions. After 20 minutes, if no reaction is observed, the rate can be increased to 20 mL/kg/h and the monitoring more spread out. Results Multiple blood collection techniques are available pending clinician preference, donor cooperation, and available supplies. Clinical Relevance A whole blood transfusion is a lifesaving procedure in small ruminants that can be performed in both a clinic and field setting.