Hemoglobin glutamer-200 (bovine)
Also known as: Oxyglobin, HBOC-301, HG-200
> **Important Note**: This medication is a temporary "blood substitute" used in life-threatening emergencies when real blood is unavailable or incompatible. * **Discoloration is Normal**: Your pet's gums, skin, eyes, and urine may turn yellow, orange, red, or brown. This is a harmless effect of the drug and will pass over several days. * **Watch for Breathing Issues**: Because this fluid pulls water into the blood vessels, it can cause fluid buildup in the lungs. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet breathes rapidly, coughs, or seems to struggle for air. * **Cost & Risks**: This is an intensive care medication with significant costs and potential risks. Your veterinarian will discuss the risk-to-benefit ratio with you before use.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an option to provide oxygen carrying capacity in the trauma patient
- Labeled indications (anemia)
- Resuscitation of trauma patients in shock with or without hemorrhage
- To provide a 'bridge' until immunosuppressive drugs take effect in dogs with IMHA with a transfusion reaction
- As an option to provide oxygen carrying capacity in the trauma patient
- As a vasopressor once there is adequate intravascular volume in trauma patients
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Discolored mucous membranes, sclera, skin (yellow, red, brown)
- Discolored urine (orange, red, brown)
- Increased central venous pressure (CVP)
- Ventricular arrhythmias (AV block, tachycardia, VPCs)
- Vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia
- Tachypnea, dyspnea, harsh lung sounds
- Pulmonary edema and pleural effusion (due to volume overload)
- Fever
- Peripheral edema
- Hemoglobinuria
Cautions & contraindications
- Advanced cardiac disease (e.g., congestive heart failure)
- Severely impaired cardiac function
- Renal impairment with oliguria or anuria
- HG-200 is a potent colloid and can cause severe vasoconstriction. Extreme care must be taken to avoid volume overload, which can lead to increased hydrostatic pressure, pulmonary edema, and pleural effusion (particularly important in cats). The volume required for fluid resuscitation is approximately 1/3 that of hetastarch. May cause immunologic reactions (IgG antibodies), though anaphylaxis is rare. **Laboratory Interference**: HG-200 severely impacts colorimetric laboratory tests, optical coagulation assays, and urine dipsticks. PCV and RBC counts are inaccurate measures of anemia for 24 hours post-administration due to dilutional effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hemoglobin glutamer-200 (bovine) used for in pets?
> **Important Note**: This medication is a temporary "blood substitute" used in life-threatening emergencies when real blood is unavailable or incompatible. * **Discoloration is Normal**: Your pet's gums, skin, eyes, and urine may turn yellow, orange, red, or brown. This is a harmless effect of the drug and will pass over several days. * **Watch for Breathing Issues**: Because this fluid pulls water into the blood vessels, it can cause fluid buildup in the lungs. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet breathes rapidly, coughs, or seems to struggle for air. * **Cost & Risks**: This is an intensive care medication with significant costs and potential risks. Your veterinarian will discuss the risk-to-benefit ratio with you before use.
Is Hemoglobin glutamer-200 (bovine) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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