Successful whole blood transfusion in an aardvark (Orycteropus afer)

Abstract

Aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) are a unique species kept in zoological institutions that are often affected by chronic dental disease. Molar abscessation can become severe enough to cause bone lysis and haemorrhage or fistula formation into the maxillary bone and sinuses. An 18‐year‐old, entire, female aardvark presented for maxillary molar abscessation, which led to haemorrhage and an oronasal fistula. Epistaxis resulted in severe anaemia with a packed cell volume of 6%, requiring a blood transfusion from an unrelated aardvark. No transfusion reaction was observed, and the transfusion resulted in clinical improvement and adequate packed cell volume (28%–39%), which was maintained for at least 15 months. The aardvark appeared to demonstrate a delayed regenerative response to anaemia, likely due to its comorbidities. This case represents the first successful whole blood transfusion in an aardvark.