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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.