Retrospective analysis of the use of canine-specific albumin in 125 critically ill dogs.

Objective: To describe the clinical use of canine-specific albumin (CSA) in critically ill dogs, report adverse events, and evaluate measurable clinical effects of CSA administration.

Design: Retrospective case series from 2019 to 2020.

Setting: Large, urban, private-practice referral and emergency center.

Animals: Consecutive sample of 125 client-owned dogs administered CSA transfusions.

Interventions: None.

Measurements And Main Results: The conditions most commonly associated with the use of CSA were surgical (32/125) and nonsurgical (20/125) gastrointestinal disease. Both serum albumin and total plasma protein concentrations were significantly increased posttransfusion (P < 0.001), and 16% albumin transfusions produced the greatest magnitude increase in serum albumin (P = 0.0015). Concurrent crystalloid administration did not affect change in albumin. While there was no significant improvement in blood pressure seen in those patients that received albumin, a significant improvement in shock index was identified (P = 0.02). Adverse events were uncommon; however, 8 critically ill dogs died during CSA administration.

Conclusions: CSA appears to be a relatively safe alternative to synthetic colloids and complementary to crystalloids in critically ill patients. More concentrated solutions may be more effective in raising serum albumin concentration. Further investigation into the indications for and efficacy of CSA will continue to improve our knowledge of this blood product.