Anemia is a reduction in the normal number of red blood cells (RBCs), which are also called erythrocytes, or in the amount of hemoglobin in circulating blood. Hemoglobin is a protein molecule inside red blood cells that is critical to transportation of oxygen to all body tissues. There are a number of causes of anemia in domestic dogs, and it is important to ascertain why a dog is anemic before an appropriate treatment protocol can
Within red blood cells is a protein called “hemoglobin,” which functions to transport molecular oxygen in the blood to all body tissues. Normally, as red blood cells age or are damaged, they are broken down by other cells, called “macrophages.” Part of the hemoglobin molecule is recycled to the bone marrow to be incorporated into new red blood cells (also called erythrocytes or RBCs). Other parts of the old or damaged RBCs are processed and
Canine anemia is not particularly difficult to diagnose. Initially, the veterinarian will draw blood for a complete blood count (CBC), a packed cell volume (PCV) and a serum biochemistry panel, and probably will perform an analysis of the dog’s urine as well. She also will evaluate a blood smear under the microscope to look closely at the structure of the red blood cells. A separate test is available to detect the presence of Ehrlicia canis,
When an owner suspects that his dog may be anemic based on his physical symptoms, he should take his dog to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. Depending on the underlying cause, anemia can become life-threatening if left untreated. The treatment goals are to provide supportive care while waiting for the bone marrow to kick back in (in cases of regenerative anemia); to control bleeding and restore blood volume and red blood cell numbers (in