Canine Blood Types: DEA 1.1

Dogs have at least a dozen blood group systems and can be classified as positive or negative for each Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA). The DEA 1.1 system is the most antigenic and blood donors and recipients should be tested for this blood type before a transfusion is given. DEA 1.1 negative dogs should only receive DEA 1.1 negative blood, whereas DEA 1.1 positive dogs may get DEA 1.1 positive or negative blood. Transfusion of DEA 1.1 positive red blood cells to a DEA 1.1 negative dog elicits a strong antibody response. Previously sensitized DEA 1.1 negative dogs may develop an acute hemolytic reaction after transfusion of DEA 1.1 positive blood. Incompabilities caused by other DEA types have not been documented in clinical practice, but can be predicted. Thus, after more than 4 days from an initial transfusion, dogs need also to be cross-matched.