Blood Groups in Cats and Dogs

Definition of Blood groups: Based on inherited antigens on RBC surface

✅Alloantibodies:

• Induced by exposure to foreign antigens

• Cats can have strong naturally occurring alloantibodies (NOAb)

🐕Canine Blood Groups

DEA System

• Types: DEA 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

• DEA 1 is the most clinically relevant:

Subtyping: DEA 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Expression: Negative, weak positive, 2+ to 4+ positive

Prevalence: 30–60% positive (geographic variation)

• Anti-DEA 1 alloantibodies:

  • 1. Induced in DEA 1-negative dogs

    2. Lead to hemolytic transfusion reactions
       
       

• Other Canine Groups

1. Dal Antigen: Present on most erythrocytes (most dogs Dal-positive)

• • Dal-negative:

    • Breaks when Dal-negative

    • Exposure can lead to sensitization and reactions

    • Common in: Dalmatians, Doberman Pinschers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos (lower extent), Bichons Frises (lower extent)
      
      

2. Japanese DDE1 system

3. Kai 1 and 2
   
   

🐈Feline Blood Groups

AB System (Main Known System)

• Most commonly type A

Geographic and breed-related variation

• Rare types:

  • Type B

  • Type AB (A and B antigens)

• Inheritance:

  • A dominant over B (autosomal trait)

  • AB inheritance pattern is unknown
    
    

Mik Antigen (Previously Identified)

• Present on most cats

• Mik-negative cats can have NOAbs against Mik

• Typing reagents no longer available

• PEA 1 might correspond to Mik

Novel Feline Erythrocyte Antigens (PEA)

• 5 identified in 2021 (PEA 1–5)

• NOAbs can be present in cats lacking these antigens
  
  

Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional Version)

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