Retrospective evaluation of the indications, safety and effects of fresh frozen plasma transfusions in 36 cats (2014–2018)

Objectives The goals of this study were to classify the indications, risks, effects on coagulation times and outcomes of cats receiving fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions in clinical practice. Methods This was a retrospective study of FFP transfusions administered in two referral hospitals from 2014 to 2018. Transfusion administration forms and medical records were reviewed. Information was collected on indication, underlying condition, coagulation times and signs of transfusion reactions. Seven-day outcomes after FFP administration were also evaluated when available. Results Thirty-six cats received 54 FFP transfusions. Ninety-four percent of cats were administered FFP for treatment of a coagulopathy. Twenty cats had paired coagulation testing before and after FFP administration. Eighteen of these cats had improved coagulation times after receiving 1–3 units of FFP. Eight of the 36 cats had probable transfusion reactions (14.8% of 54 FFP transfusions). These reactions included respiratory signs (n = 4), fever (n = 2) and gastrointestinal signs (n = 2). Five of the eight cats with probable reactions had received packed red blood cells contemporaneously. Overall mortality rate during hospitalization was 29.7%, with 52.8% (n = 19/36) of cats confirmed to be alive 7 days after discharge. Conclusions and relevance This retrospective study shows that FFP transfusions improve coagulation times in cats. Transfusion reactions are a risk, and risk–benefit ratios must be measured prior to administration and possible reactions monitored. In the study cats, the FFP transfusions appeared to be a tolerable risk given the benefit to prolonged coagulation times.