Bone marrow disease in dogs usually shows up as one of two problems on the bloodwork: cytopenias that the marrow should be correcting but is not, or a protein abnormality made by a marrow-dwelling tumor. Pancytopenia (anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia together) points to a marrow that is empty, overrun or failing to release cells; multiple myeloma is the classic plasma cell tumor that causes hyperglobulinemia, bone lysis and, sometimes, pancytopenia. Both are solved by the same two tools: a careful history and a bone marrow sample read alongside a same-day CBC.
Key facts
Bone marrow disease (pancytopenia, multiple myeloma) at a glance- Species and system: dogs; hemic/lymphatic (bone marrow, plasma cells).
- Pancytopenia mechanisms: marrow aplasia or hypoplasia, ineffective hematopoiesis, infiltration (myelophthisis), or necrosis; a few extramarrow causes such as severe sepsis can mimic it.
- Common causes in dogs: chemotherapy, chronic Ehrlichia canis infection, parvovirus, estrogen (exogenous or Sertoli cell tumor), idiosyncratic drug reactions, idiopathic aplastic anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and histiocytic sarcoma.
- Multiple myeloma: neoplastic plasma cells that home to the marrow and secrete one immunoglobulin (M-protein), usually IgA or IgG.
- Classic myeloma picture: older dog with lethargy, PU/PD, hyperglobulinemia with a monoclonal spike, hypercalcemia, osteolytic lesions, bleeding or retinal changes from hyperviscosity.
- Zoonotic/reportable: no. Marrow failure and myeloma are not infectious; ehrlichiosis spreads by ticks, and infected dogs are not a direct risk to people under normal circumstances.
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, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
Read the full study guide
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