Plasma Transfusions Generally Safe for Horses

The medical records of more than 100 horses revealed few adverse reactions related to plasma transfusions. The few reactions that were documented in the retrospective study involved foals less than one week of age.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin conducted the study to determine the frequency and type of reactions that follow transfusions with commercial equine plasma.

While no adverse reactions were noted in mature horses, 6 of the 69 foals in the study developed post-transfusion problems that included tachycardia (rapid heart rate), tachypnea (increased respiration), or colic. Following medical treatment, all of the foals except one were able to receive the prescribed transfusion.

The entire article, “Incidence of transfusion reactions to commercial equine plasma,” was published in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care, August, 2010 issue. –Mark Llewellyn