Indications and Techniques for Blood Transfusion in Birds

There is growing medical care related to emergency presentations and procedures used to treat companion and wild birds. These critical care procedures (e.g., blood transfusion) can be life-saving. To maximize the beneficial effects of blood transfusions administered to avian patients, it is necessary to have an understanding of avian hematology and erythropoiesis, recognize clinical conditions in which one performs a blood transfusion, know the proper procedures and techniques, and rapidly identify possible adverse reactions.