Anemia: overview

Introduction

• Anemia is defined as reduced number of red cells (<5.5 x 10 *12/l) and/or decreased hemoglobin content (<12 g/dl) and/or a PCV of <0.37 l/l:
  • Mild anemia = PCV 0.30-0.37 l/l, moderate anemia = PCV 0.20-0.29 l/l, severe anemia = PCV 0.15-0.19 l/l, very severe = PCV <0.15.
• May be due to blood loss or hemolysis ’ regenerative anemia or reduced production of red cells ’ non-regenerative anemia .
• Regenerative anemia ’ polychromasia, increased reticulocyte count, macrocytic, hypochromic.
• Iron deficiency ’ non-regenerative anemia ’ microcytic, hypochromic non-regenerative anemia.
  Print off the owner factsheet on Anemia to give to your client.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Raskin R E (2010) Haematologic Disorders. In: Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat. 2nd edn. Schaer M (ed), Manson Publishing Ltd, London, pp 227-231.
• Knottenbelt C (2001) Investigation of anaemia in dogs. In Practice 23 , 306-314.
• Mills J (2000) Anaemia. In: Manual of Canine and Feline Haematology and Transfusion Medicine. 1st edn. Day M J, Mackin A & Littlewood J D (eds), BSAVA Publications, Gloucester, pp 29-42.
• Tvedten H (1989) Erythrocyte disorders. In: Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods. 1st edn. W B Saunders. pp 36-56.