Canine & Feline Transfusion Calculator

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Canine & Feline Transfusion Calculator

Estimate product volumes, drip rates (20 drop/mL set), and approximate infusion duration for packed red cells, whole blood, plasma, cryoprecipitate, and platelet concentrate. For veterinary professionals — clinical judgement always overrides the tool.

Formulas used (standard clinical estimates)

  • pRBC: ~1 mL/kg raises recipient PCV by ~1% (dog & cat estimate)
  • Whole blood: ~2 mL/kg raises PCV by ~1%
  • Plasma (FFP/FP/cryosupernatant): 10–30 mL/kg (higher end for severe coagulopathy)
  • Cryoprecipitate: ~1 unit / 10 kg (unit ≈ 60 mL)
  • Platelet concentrate: ~1 unit / 10 kg (unit ≈ 65 mL); aim to finish ≤2 h if life-threatening bleed
  • Start rate: 0.5–1 mL/kg/h for first 15–30 min, then titrate (euvolaemic often 5–10 mL/kg/h; cardiac/renal compromise often 1–2 mL/kg/h)
  • Drip set: calculations assume a 20 drop/mL blood administration set
  • Unit time limit: discard breached units after 4 hours (platelets sooner if indicated)

Drip interval (seconds between drops) ≈ 3600 ÷ (rate_mL_per_h × drops_per_mL). Duration estimate includes a short initial slow phase then a maintenance phase at ~10× initial rate for red cells/plasma/whole blood (standard bedside estimate).

Clinical safety checklist

  1. Blood type before elective transfusion; DEA 1 negative red cells for DEA 1 negative dogs when possible.
  2. Cross-match if prior transfusion, unknown history, pregnancy history, or delayed reaction risk.
  3. Use a blood administration set / inline filter — never plain fluid lines without a filter.
  4. Do not co-infuse calcium-containing fluids or hypotonic fluids in the same line as the blood product.
  5. Monitor TPR, mucous membranes, mentation, and urine colour at baseline, q15 min initially, then q30–60 min.
  6. Stop immediately if acute reaction signs (fever spike, vomiting, angioedema, collapse, haemoglobinuria).
  7. Document product type, unit ID, expiry, volume, rates, staff, and any reaction for traceability.

Read the full Transfusion Medicine Guide →

Disclaimer: This calculator is an educational bedside aid only. Every patient is individual. Final volume and rate decisions rest with the attending veterinary surgeon. GlobalVetCo is not affiliated with Pet Blood Bank UK; formulas reflect widely taught veterinary transfusion estimates, not a copy of any third-party website text.