Evaluation of hematologic, biochemical, and blood gas variables in stored canine packed red blood cells, and the impact of storage time on blood recipients.

Background: Canine packed red blood cells (pRBCs) can be stored under refrigeration for several days; however, cellular metabolism remains active inside the units, thus producing substances that affect their quality.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate hematologic, biochemical, and blood gas variable alterations that occur in canine pRBCs during storage, and their effects on recipient clinicopathologic parameters.

Methods: The study was conducted in two phases.