What is anemia?
Anemia is a medical term referring to a reduced number of circulating red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb), or both. It is not a specific disease, but rather the result of some other disease process or condition.
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the blood where they circulate for approximately three months. As they age or become damaged, they are removed from the bloodstream. Their components are then recycled to form new red blood cells. The number of red blood cells may become reduced because of decreased production, lysis (cell destruction), or increased loss as seen with hemorrhage (bleeding).
Hemoglobin delivers oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body, and a dog that is anemic will suffer from symptoms related to a lack of oxygen.
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. Affected dogs may even collapse with exertion. Additional signs that may be seen include 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). Pale gums and lethargy indicate the need to perform blood tests.
How is anemia diagnosed?
Several tests are performed on blood samples to diagnose anemia. These tests are often performed as part of a complete blood cell count (CBC). The most common test to diagnose anemia is the packed cell volume (PCV), also called the hematocrit (HCT). 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. Other tests to determine anemia 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 body's response to anemia.
A careful study of the blood smear is also important to look for 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 nonregenerative anemia). A sample of bone marrow is withdrawn and analyzed, providing valuable information about its condition, and occasionally revealing the cause of the anemia.
A biochemical profile 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 X-rays (radiographs) or ultrasounds may be recommended to help determine the cause.
What diseases cause anemia?
Many diseases can cause anemia. These are grouped into:
- diseases that cause blood loss
- diseases that cause hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown or destruction)
- diseases that decrease the production of red blood cells through bone marrow suppression
What diseases cause blood loss?
The main causes of blood loss in dogs include:
- trauma or injury to blood vessels or internal organs, causing persistent bleeding
- heavy infestations of blood-sucking parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and hookworms
- tumors (benign or malignant) of the intestinal tract, kidneys, urinary bladder, and spleen that begin to bleed
- diseases that prevent proper blood clotting
What diseases cause hemolysis?
The main causes of hemolysis in dogs include:
- autoimmune disease, especially immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA or AIHA)
- blood parasites such as Babesia
- chemicals or toxins (e.g., zinc, rat poisons, onions, or garlic)
- cancer
- mechanical fragmentation (e.g., heartworm disease, splenic torsion, heart disease)
What diseases prevent red blood cell production through bone marrow suppression?
The main causes of bone marrow suppression in dogs include:
- any severe or chronic disease (such as chronic kidney or liver disease, Ehrlichia)
- very poor nutrition or nutritional imbalances
- autoimmune disease
- hypothyroidism
- chemicals or toxins (estrogen-based drugs, lead, some chemotherapy drugs, rarely some antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine)
- cancer
Do dogs get iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is a common disease in people, especially women. Iron deficiency can be common in dogs, but is usually secondary to some form of chronic blood loss. It is occasionally seen in puppies that are being fed very poor diets or that have severe hookworm infections.
How is anemia treated?
If your dog's anemia is so severe that it is life threatening, a blood transfusion will be needed. Before giving your dog a blood transfusion, blood samples will be taken for diagnostic testing, or blood typing. The main purpose of a blood transfusion is to stabilize your dog while the underlying cause of the anemia is determined and other treatments can begin to take effect.
Further treatment will be determined once the underlying disease causing the anemia is diagnosed. Treatments may include corticosteroids (particularly for autoimmune hemolytic anemia), anthelmintics (de-worming medications such as pyrantel or fenbendazole), vitamin K1 in cases of some rodenticide toxicities, antibiotics such as doxycycline with some infectious causes, or surgery (in cases of a damaged organ such as the spleen or liver). Your veterinarian will outline a treatment plan specific to your dog's needs based on diagnostic test results.
What is the prognosis for anemia?
The prognosis for dogs with anemia is based on the specific diagnosis and the dog's condition at the time of diagnosis.
If the anemia is diagnosed early and the dog is in relatively good health, the prognosis is good. Dogs that have severe anemia, either caused by toxins, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, or because of severe trauma, have a less favorable prognosis.
