Blood Types in Canine Donors

Most people are familiar with the ABO blood type system in humans. People carry either A or B proteins on the surface of the red blood cells (also known as erythrocytes), or both (AB), or neither (O).

Dogs also have various proteins, also called "antigens", which are associated with the surface of red blood cells. In dogs, these proteins, rather than being associated with letters to distinguish them from each other, have been assigned numbers. Thus, we have the dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) system of canine typing.

There are at least 13 different red blood cell proteins that have been identified in dogs. Most dogs carry multiple proteins (similar to a human type AB). Several proteins have only been identified on limited occasions and cannot be routinely identified by commercial laboratories. Only one protein, 1.1, can be identified using the quick, simple card test used by the majority of the veterinarians. The 1.1 protein is carried by about 60% of the canine population. The most clinically significant proteins (the ones most likely to cause problems if transferred inappropriately) are DEA 1.1, 1.2, and 7. The DEA 4 is carried by more than 98% of the canine population.

Is your dog a universal donor?

If the blood typing results for your dog are positive only for DEA 4 (98% of canines have DEA 4), we consider them a "universal donor". We use universal blood for recipients testing negative for DEA 1.1 using the card test and dogs that are difficult to type because of the nature of their illness.

Is your dog a positive donor?

We also use red cells that are positive for DEA 1.1 and 4 only. This blood is considered "positive" blood and can be used for recipients that test positive for DEA 1.1. The quick card test method can be used in the hospital to determine the presence of DEA 1.1. Because of the large number of 1.1 positive canines in the population, and the ability for veterinarians to easily test for this blood group, many of our donors are positive for 1.1. Austin area veterinarians understand that typing recipients prior to transfusions is important to effectively utilize the resources we have in the Austin pet community.