Xenotransfusion in Food Animal Species

Presentation Description / Summary: Xenotransfusion, or the use of blood or blood products from one species in another species has recently been explored for large animal species. This practice may present clinicians with therapeutic options in scenarios where a suitable donor of the same species is unavailable. This presentation will review the history of the practice as well as cases presented in the current literature, including companion animal and exotics cases, where these techniques are more commonly utilized. Recent research, focused on ruminants and pigs, specifically the use of bovine blood in caprine patients, as well as the use of canine and bovine blood products in porcine patients will be presented. Clinical implications will be presented to guide practitioners who are considering the use of this practice.

Learner Outcomes: 1. The audience will be aware of the clinical history of the use of xenotransfusion in veterinary medicine in multiple species. 2. The audience will leave having reviewed the recent literature and being aware of recent research relevant to this topic. 3. Clinical indications and implications for this practice will also be reviewed and discussed.