What are the signs of anemia?
The most easily observed and common clinical sign of anemia is a loss of the normal pink color of the gums; they may appear pale pink to white when examined.
Anemic dogs also have little stamina or energy, so they seem listless or tire more easily. Additionally, weight loss, labored breathing, loss of appetite, a faster heart rate, or signs of blood loss (bloody nose, blood in the stool, urine, or vomit) may also be seen. Pale gums and lethargy indicate the need to perform blood tests.
There are several tests that are performed on the blood sample to diagnose anemia. The most common test is the packed cell volume (PCV) or hematocrit (HCT). These tests are often performed as part of a complete blood cell count (CBC). In a normal dog, 35% to 55% of the blood will be red blood cells. If the PCV is below 35%, the dog is generally considered anemic. Others tests to determine if a dog is anemic include the red blood cell count and the hemoglobin count.
What other tests are important when a dog is anemic?
When there is evidence of a low red blood cell count, it is important to know if the bone marrow is producing an increased number of new red blood cells in response to the lost red blood cells. When the body senses anemia, it releases immature (young) red blood cells from the bone marrow prematurely, and these immature red blood cells, called reticulocytes, can be stained for easier identification on the blood smear. The presence of increased numbers of reticulocytes indicates that the anemia is responsive. This means the body has identified anemia (responding) and is attempting to correct the deficit by releasing immature red blood cells. Most automated blood analyzers will detect the presence of reticulocytes to help your veterinarian quickly determine the bodys response to anemia.
A careful study of the blood smear is also important to look for blood parasites that might be causing red blood cell destruction and abnormal cells that could indicate leukemia (high white blood cell count). Additionally, a slide agglutination test can be done to help rule out the presence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (see handout “Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs” for more information on this condition).
A bone marrow biopsy or aspirate is obtained if there is concern that the bone marrow is not responding appropriately to the anemic state (unresponsive or non-regenerative anemia). A sample of bone marrow is withdrawn and analyzed, providing valuable information about its condition, and occasionally revealing the cause of the anemia.
Biochemical profiles and urinalysis are other important tests for anemic dogs. These tests evaluate organ function and electrolyte levels providing important information about the overall health of the dog.
A fecal parasite exam is important to identify the presence of parasites in the intestinal tract that might be causing blood loss.
Imaging studies such as radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound may be recommended to help determine the cause.
There are many diseases that can cause anemia. These are grouped into:
The main causes of blood loss in dogs include:
The main causes of hemolysis include:
Can a dog die from anemia?
Unfortunately, anaemia in dogs can sometimes indicate that your dog is suffering from a very serious or possibly fatal condition such as cancer, autoimmune conditions or poisoning. For that reason, anemia in dogs should always be taken seriously. If your dog is showing any of the signs of anemia contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for your dog.
ANEMIA IN DOGS (Symptoms, Causes and Treatment)
Anemia is a common clinical problem that shows a decrease in red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs are produced in the bone marrow and carry oxygen to all tissues in the body.
Dogs show signs of anemia in various ways, based on its cause, severity, and duration. As anemia worsens, dogs show clinical signs of shock and failing cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Anemia can be severe and life-threatening. Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet has pale gums, is struggling to breathe, is actively bleeding, or has unusual bruising.
In addition to these general types, anemia may be described by how responsive the bone marrow is.
Clinical signs of anemia in dogs vary based on cause, severity, and length of disease. Dogs with chronic conditions may have vague, or no clinical signs until the anemia becomes severe. These dogs can acclimate to lower RBC counts over a longer period, whereas a dog with an acute blood loss may immediately show signs of distress and illness. Common signs of anemia in dogs include:
Anemia occurs in all breeds, ages, and genders of dogs. Some breeds are predisposed to a certain type of anemia, called Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) including:
Blood loss, when acute, occurs secondary to trauma, surgery, coagulopathies (poor clotting), rodenticide toxicity, a ruptured spleen, and bleeding cancers (hemangiosarcoma). Chronic blood loss can also lead to anemia in cases of long-term gastrointestinal ulcers, parasites (hookworms and fleas), tumors, lack of nutrition, and some drugs.
RBC destruction occurs when normal RBCs are removed from the system inappropriately and too early. Normally, RBCs last around 110 to 115 days in dogs and are removed by the spleen, liver, or bone marrow when they are old.
Decreased RBC production occurs when the bone marrow does not make enough RBCs. This type is, inherently, nonregenerative. The following can all affect the body’s ability to produce RBCs: