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IVFT unnecessary for feline blood donors, study finds
IVFT was found to have no significant impact on blood pressure.
The discovery could reduce hospitalisation for cats donating blood.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College has suggested that cats may not need to undergo intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT) after providing a blood donation.

The findings revealed that IVFT had no significant impact on the blood pressure of feline blood donors. This could mean they have a shorter time in hospital after donating.

Despite feline blood donations being a well-recognised veterinary practice, with several studies on feline blood products, there is limited research on feline blood donors.

As such, there is no veterinary consensus on the use of IVFT after blood donation.

The study saw researchers examine the condition of 100 client-owned cats after they had donated blood. The cats were randomly assigned to either receive IVFT or no fluid therapy.

Following the donation, each cat’s systolic blood pressure was measured. Owners were also contacted to record any changes in their cat’s condition.

Researchers analysed data from 97 of the cats – 46 of which underwent IVFT while 51 did not.

The results suggested that IVFT may be unnecessary for cats, with haemodynamic stability being maintained despite the lack of blood. The only other side effects recognised was minor bruising at the venepuncture site for those receiving the therapy, and mild lethargy in those that did not.

The discovery could mean that cats have less hospitalisation time after donating, potentially reducing their stress levels.

It could also reduce costs for donation programmes, such as kennelling requirements, consumables and personnel time.

Guedra Allais, lead author of the study, said: "Our study showed no significant difference in blood pressure at different time points in feline donors that received intravenous fluid compared to others that didn’t receive any fluid. This could lead to less hospitalisation time and therefore less stress for our feline blood donors.

“Other perfusion parameters such as capillary refill time, heart rate and pulse quality were not evaluated, and we recommend considering intravenous fluid in any feline donors if any major changes are detected on post donation physical examination.”

The full study can be found in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.