What are the clinically significant canine blood types?
Canine blood groups were first described in 1910. There are currently eight internationally recognized blood group antigens. An old classification system used letters to name the antigens. The new classification system is called the DEA system. The following chart compares the two nomenclatures and clinical significance. DEA Group “Old” Classification Presence of Naturally Occurring Antibody Transfusion Significance 1.1 A1 No Clinically significantantibody – can cause an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction 1.2 A2 No Clinically significant antibody – can cause an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction 3 B Yes Delayed reaction. No hemolysis of red cells 4 C No None 5 D Yes Delayed reaction. No hemolysis of red cells 6* F No Unknown 7 Tr Yes Delayed reaction. No hemolysis of red cells. Usually reacts only at colder temperatures. 8* He No Unknown * Antisera is no longer available for these antigens Antibodies to DEA 1.1 are found in DEA 1.1 negative dogs that were sensitized during pregnanc
