Homologous whole blood transfusion during treatment of severe anemia in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2014 Sep;45(3):654-7. doi: 10.1638/2013-0091R2.1.

Abstract

A 12-yr-old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) was presented as severely emaciated and with generalized muscle weakness. Hematology and biochemistry revealed severe anemia and hypokalemia. The chimpanzee was treated supportively and symptomatically; although initially stable, the animal deteriorated rapidly on day 5, becoming depressed and jaundiced with further deterioration of anemia. To address the decline, a prompt transfusion of compatible and cross-matched fresh whole blood from a healthy adult male chimpanzee was administered over 120 min. During transfusion, an immediate reduction in the recipient's tachycardia was noted and substantial clinical improvement continued over 24 hr posttransfusion; no adverse transfusion reactions were observed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / therapy
  • Anemia / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Ape Diseases / therapy*
  • Blood Donors
  • Blood Transfusion / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Male
  • Pan troglodytes*