Large Animal Blood Transfusions

Presentation Description / Summary: This lecture is specific for veterinary technicians practicing emergency medicine in equine & livestock. This lecture will focus on 1) reasons to transfuse blood products, 2) how to obtain blood from a donor, 3) what equipment is needed to transfuse, 4) how to determine the required volume to transfuse, 5) the different varieties of blood products, and 6) how to pick and manage blood donors per species. This lecture will provide a practical step-by-step review of blood transfusions for various large animal species. Similarly, we will discuss commercially available products and how to make your own blood transfusion supplies.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Calculate how much blood to collect from a donor based on body weight. 2. Determine what collection supplies are needed per large animal species. 3. Describe how to transfuse a blood product and monitor for a reaction.