Whole blood transfusion to a feline leukaemia virus antigen-positive cat: a clinical dilemma

The transfusion of blood products is an important and life-saving intervention in feline medicine, but the ethical implication of their use requires careful consideration. This article examines the ethical aspects of feline blood transfusion, including donor welfare, the limits of informed consent, resource allocation and whether transfusion is justified in patients with a poor prognosis. Using the case of a cat with feline leukaemia virus that underwent a whole blood transfusion before being euthanised, the discussion highlights the dilemmas posed when treatment carries a poor prognosis. The risks to both donor and recipient are explored alongside the veterinary responsibility to act in the best interests of all animals involved. Reference is made to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct, drawing attention to the difficulties of applying legislation and guidance consistently. The absence of standardised ethical guidelines in veterinary transfusion medicine raises concerns about consistency and transparency. The discussion suggests that improved team communication and approaches such as blind donation could help manage ethical challenges in feline transfusion.