Anemia is a reduced red cell mass: a packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration or red cell count below the reference interval. It is a finding, not a diagnosis, and in dogs it is one of the most common abnormalities on a CBC. The exam rewards a disciplined approach: decide whether the marrow is responding, then whether red cells are being lost, destroyed or not made, and treat the patient's oxygen delivery while you find the cause.
Key facts
Anemia (general) at a glance- Species: dog (principles apply to cats, with different cut-offs).
- System: hemic and lymphatic.
- Three mechanisms: blood loss, hemolysis (both usually regenerative) and decreased production (non-regenerative).
- Key first test: absolute reticulocyte count, interpreted at least 3–5 days after the anemia began.
- Classic presentation: lethargy, exercise intolerance, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia and tachypnea; icterus if hemolytic.
- Most common hemolytic cause in dogs: immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).
- Most common cause of mild anemia overall: anemia of inflammatory (chronic) disease.
- Zoonotic or reportable: anemia itself is neither; some infectious causes (for example Babesia) are vector-borne and have regional significance.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention and control
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 7 tables, 3 figures, 3 self-test questions and 19 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.