Scientific Info

Current Situation & Challenge

Anaemic dogs are commonly seen in veterinary clinic practice. Anaemia, caused by several disease conditions including haemorrhage, immune-mediated diseases, cancer and infectious diseases1, results in tissue hypoxia and can require rapid intervention. However, a shortage of readily available canine blood products along with the tedious and time consuming process of organising blood donations, pose major challenges for the emergency management of anaemia in dogs2. To address this unmet need in veterinary medicine, an innovative therapeutic option has been developed.

Transfusion with blood products is vital for treating anaemic dogs

Up to 11 out of 100 dogs are diagnosed with anaemia*

Severe anaemia can lead to life threatening conditions!

When packed cell volume (PCV) drops too rapidly, or below a critical level, tissues will become severely hypoxic.

Blood transfusion is required

Challenges of blood transfusion

Time Consuming

Selection, screening and preparation of blood is a complex multi-step process requiring technical staff and expertise.

Short Shelf Life

Whole blood can only be stored for a relatively short period.

Safety Concerns

Dogs may have adverse reactions to the transfusion.

Not Readily Available

51% of Veterinarians said “non treatment of acute anaemia in dogs is because of limited or no access to blood.”#

An ideal therapeutic option to overcome the challenges of blood transfusion

An effective, convenient-to-use and readily available product that delivers oxygen to tissues rapidly is therefore an ideal therapeutic option in emergency settings when compatible blood is unavailable.

1. American Kennel Club. Anemia in Dogs. Available at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/anemia-in-dogs/. (Accessed: Aug 2021).
2. Data on file.
* Reference: Elizabeth Lund, Population analyses of anemia in Pets, Data Savant, 2007
# Reference: Market Research, “Anaemia – Understanding the Companion Animal Market”, Kynetec Report, November 2019

Efficacy

Rapid restoration of tissue oxygenation (TO2)

Tissue Oxygenation (TO2) in a Haemorrhagic Shock (HS) Study in Dogs1,2

Rescue dogs even in severe anaemia

Survival Rate comparable to
whole blood 24-hours post-resuscitation

80.0%
78.4%

Readily available and superior shelf life compared to whole blood

Whole blood
Readily
available		 Donor selection Not required Required
Blood typing and cross matching Not required Maybe required
Stable Shelf life Prolonged Short
Whole blood
Readily available
Donor selection Not required Required
Blood typing and cross matching Not required Maybe required
Stable
Shelf life Prolonged Short

Less preparation steps compared to whole blood

Reference:
1. Muir WW et al. , Critical Care Research and Practice, Vol. 10. ID 864237, 2014
A controlled, dose-dependent study in the USA investigating the effects of Oxapex administration following severe oxygen debt produced by haemorrhagic shock in dogs.
2. Data on File. Study No. SPD12-012
3. Data on File, Randomized and Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Single Dose of OC99 (10 mL/kg) on 24 Hours Post-resuscitation Survival and Clinically Relevant
Parameters in a Model of Hemorrhage-induced Controlled Oxygen Imbalance in Beagle Dogs (Study No.: EX-PD2017010-01)
* Dogs with hypovolemic shock
IV = intravenous.

Safety

Reliable with proven safety profile

Minimal side effects:

  • Reddish brown discoloration of mucous membrane, tissues, urine and faeces
  • Mild and transient gastrointestinal effects, e.g. vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Occasional sneezing
  • Reactions at the site of infusion, e.g. redness and swelling

Contraindications

  • Dogs with identified kidney disease
  • Dogs predisposed to circulatory overload
  • Dogs with advanced cardiac disease or severely impaired cardiac function
  • Dogs previously treated with this product or other bovine haemoglobin based oxygen carriers.