Blood Transfusion in Veterinary Medicine

Blood transfusion is being practiced for centuries for saving life of human beings and animals. Richard Lower in 1665 transfused the blood in a dog for the first time in the history [1]. With the help of latest techniques and equipment developed after 1950, blood transfusion became more popular in veterinary medicine [2,3]. Blood transfusion has made considerable advancements in veterinary medicine in recent times. Although, the information and availability of blood and its products has increased, transfusion therapy has become more complex. Advanced screening facilities, blood group testing and techniques for cross matching blood had made the process of donor selection more complicated. Advancement in techniques of separating the components of blood has given the clinician an opportunity to use the component as per the demand of the patient. This article summarizes recent advances in veterinary transfusion medicine and guides the clinicians in decision making while transfusion with evidence.