DEA 1.1 and 1.2 are highly antigenic and the transfusion of blood positive for these two factors may lead to the development of anti-DEA 1.1, 1.2 antibodies. A DEA 1.1, 1.2 positive bitch sensitized to DEA 1.1, 1.2 positive blood through transfusion may produce puppies with neonatal isoerythrolysis after sucking if sired by a DEA 1.1, 1.2 positive sire. DEA 7 has been discussed as a possible factor in transfusion reactions, although controversy exists regarding its degree of importance. DEA 7 is a cold agglutin and a naturally occurring isoantibody. 37 degrees C. Generally, antibodies that react in vitro only at temperatures below 37 degrees C are considered to have very low clinical significance and are rarely contributory to the destruction of transfused cells, except where large volumes of cold blood is to be transfused or hypothermia is present.
All transfusions carry some degree of risk due to incomparability.
Animals have different blood types and complete comparability is nearly impossible. Crossmatching prior to transfusion reveals potential reactions due to natural isoantibodies and antibodies developed by sensitization. It greatly reduces the risk associated with transfusion. It is important to remember that crossmatching will not identify incompatibility of DEA 1.1 and 1.2 blood types unless previous sensitization has occurred and that it is not a substitute for blood typing. Information on crossmatching techniques can be found in Problems in Veterinary Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM Editor, page 604.