A survey of feline AB group blood types in Israel (2007 to 2009)

Te feline AB blood group system is the predominant feline blood group system. Feline blood typing is clinically important for prevention of neonatal isoerythrolysis and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. Te distribution of feline blood types varies signifcantly in diferent districts and between diferent cat breeds and is unknown in Israel. Tis retrospective study was designed to determine the prevalence of feline AB blood group types in cats presented to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and to the Israeli Animal Blood Bank. Te study included 242 cats consisting of 100 ill-cat recipients of blood components and 142 blood donors. Te frequency of blood types A, B and AB in the present study was 72.7%, 14.5% and 12.8%, respectively. Te frequency of blood type AB is higher than previously published studies. Tis is especially surprising since most cats in this survey were of mixed breed. Tis study is the frst survey of feline blood types in Israeli cats. Te fnd-ings warrant a wider survey that will better represent the Israeli cat population, using several typing methods. Nevertheless the present results have important implications in regards to feline transfusion medicine in Israel. Cross matching of donor and recipient blood is imperative because of the high chances of incompatibility.