Description
Amanda Boag will discuss Transfusion Medicine. Transfusion medicine has developed a great deal in veterinary medicine over the last 20 years. Our profession has moved form a situation where it was only possible to take blood from a donor for immediate transfusion as whole blood to an environment where we have a thriving national canine blood bank (Pet Blood Bank) that can supply canine blood products (packed red cells and plasma) to practices across the UK. Transfusion medicine and use of blood and its products undoubtedly saves lives however improper use is associated with potential complications for the recipient and furthermore is not making best use of a product that has been donated by another living animal. Decision making as to when to transfuse and which product is most appropriate will vary with patients – a dog with a chronic non regenerative anaemia does not need the same transfusion product as an acutely bleeding rodenticide toxicity. The concept of a PCV that acts as a “transfusion trigger” is often discussed but as with many things is not as simple as a single number. When considering plasma products, a sound understanding of the reason for use is hugely important to ensure we are maximising the cost:benefit of this product. Delivery of transfusion medicine safely involves a basic understanding of when to blood type and cross match and how to interpret those results. Proper storage and administration of the product and careful monitoring during administration are also required to ensure risk is minimised. Practices will need to decide what works best for them in terms of bleeding their own donors, storing blood bank products on site or ordering in blood products on an as needed basis. In this webinar we will explore the principle indications for transfusion and what the differences are between the major transfusion products. Practical details on typing, cross matching and administration will also be highlighted allowing you to use transfusion products with confidence to help save patients’ lives. Amanda graduated as a veterinary surgeon from Cambridge University in 1998. She undertook further clinical training at the Royal Veterinary College and the University of Pennsylvania and is Board certified in both Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care. She was a Lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at the RVC from 2003-2008. In September 2008, she took up the post of Clinical Director at Vets Now where she has responsibility for clinical and professional standards and training across 53 emergency clinics and two 24 hour hospitals. She is the author of many peer reviewed articles and book chapters and is Co-editor of the BSAVA Manual of Emergency and Critical Care. She acts as a veterinary consultant for Pet Blood Bank and has an active interest in transfusion medicine. She is Founding President of the European College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ECVECC) and Past-President of the European Society of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (EVECCS). She is an elected RCVS Council member since 2012 and is currently Treasurer of the RCVS. She received the BSAVA Melton award for meritorious contribution to small animal practice in 2011.