XENOTRANSFUSÃO DE SANGUE CANINO PARA GATOS: UMA ALTERNATIVA NA EMERGÊNCIA

Abstract

Transfusion therapy is essential for stabilizing felines suffering from severe anemia or hypovolemic shock. However, the complexity and logistical scarcity of feline blood banks often render allotransfusion unviable in emergency scenarios. In this context, xenotransfusion (the transfer of canine blood to felines) emerges as a last resort intervention, despite the inherent immunological risks. This study aimed to analyze the main scientific findings regarding the indications, benefits, harms, and technical criteria for the safe application of xenotransfusion in cats. The methodology was based on a narrative bibliographic review, utilizing the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, with pertinent keywords. Articles published between 2012 and 2025 were selected, excluding theses and monographs to maintain the focus on scientific journals. The theoretical approachdemonstrated that xenotransfusion is justified by its immediate clinical efficacy (rapid hematocrit elevation), ease of execution, and low incidence of immediate reactions, due to the absence of the feline's natural antibodies against canine red blood cells in the first transfusion. In contrast, the results indicated that the benefit is ephemeral, limited by the short lifespan of canine red blood cells (2 to 7 days) and predictable delayed hemolysis. The most critical risk is immunological sensitization, which strictly contraindicates the repetition of the procedure, under risk of fatal anaphylaxis. Donor blood typing and prior crossmatch are crucial for initial safety. It was concluded that canine-feline xenotransfusion is not a routine alternative, but a temporary and punctual support measure, which must be employed with technical and ethical rigor to stabilize the patient until definitive treatment or compatible allogeneic blood is obtained.