Anemia in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A dog's blood is made up of various different cells. These include white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Minerals, proteins and other nutrients are also found, much of which is contained in the blood plasma. These elements are maintained in a certain proportion, but changes to these proportions can occur for a variety of reasons. This could be as simple as eating a particular food or as serious as a blood disease.

Red blood cells are produced in the marrow of the dog's bones. They contain hemoglobin which is a protein found in red blood cells used for carrying oxygen to various parts of the body. Although a low red blood cell count results in anemia, it is possible for the dog to have sufficient red blood cells, but they do not contain sufficient amounts of hemoglobin to deliver the amount of oxygen they need.

A normal ratio of red blood cells in a dog's blood is between 39-60%. When a red blood cell count is less than 39%, it is a clear indicator of the presence of anemia in dogs. This is a serious health problem because it correlates to a direct lack of oxygen in the different organs and tissues of the body.

The reasons for a low red blood cell count are usually grouped into three main categories:

• Blood loss: when a dog has trauma or another reasons for a loss of blood, it means the red blood cells leave the body and cannot transport oxygen.
  
  
• Decreased red blood cell production: when the body cannot produce enough blood cells, the oxygen cannot be transported. Can be due to a pathology, genetic condition or even environmental factors.
  
  
• Increased red blood cell breakdown: red blood cells will break down naturally after around 3 months in the bloodstream, after which they will be recycled to create new blood cells. If a pathology or any other reason increases the rate of cell breakdown, it will result in anemia.

The results of a lack of oxygen do not only affect the blood, but the dog's entire organism. Systemic symptoms and failures will result and the dog develop serious disorders. These can threaten the dog's life.

Learn more about blood and disease with our articles on blood parasites in dogs and blood clots in dogs.

There are four main types of anemia in dogs. Each one is directly related to the underlying causes which result in a low red blood cell or hemoglobin count. To better understand the causes of anemia in dogs, we look at each type individually:

Hemorrhagic anemia

This type of canine anemia is directly related to blood loss. There are different reasons that this may develop, including wounds, external parasites or ulcers. A dog that is losing blood is weak and unstable. The dog does not need an external wound to lose blood. Internal bleeding can be seen by blood in the dog's urine or feces. This one important reason why it is important to monitor your dog's waste, especially if you see other symptoms.

Hemolytic anemia

With hemolytic anemia in dogs, the animal's immune system is affecting their red blood cell count. Issues with the immune system mean the natural cycle of red blood cells being created and destroyed is disrupted. Insufficient amounts of new red blood cells are being created and the proper ratio in the blood serum is not present.

Hemolytic anemia can often be due to hereditary issues, but can also be the result of internal parasites, infections, a side effect of certain drugs or even excessive consumption of vitamin C. It can affect the liver and present in jaundice, but often begins with the dog having low-energy levels. There are two types of hemolytic anemia in dogs:

• Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: this is usually the most common type of canine anemia and the destruction of red blood cells is caused by the appearance of antibodies that directly attack these cells.

• Congenital hemolytic anemia: in this case the destruction of red blood cells is an inherited genetic trait and is particularly common in certain breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel.

Aplastic anemia

In this case the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow is not enough to compensate for the natural loss of these cells. It can be caused by tumors, toxins, infections (parvovirus and ehrlichiosis), radiation and chronic renal failure. It is also known as bone marrow aplasia in dogs.

The different causes of anemia in dogs make it impossible to provide a single method of anemia prevention. Except for cases of anemia associated with genetic inheritance, there are some general ways to ensure the dog's health and avoid various blood disorders including canine anemia.

You must ensure good nutrition, quality care and regular veterinary examinations to help avoid causing this disease. Since anemia can have an infectious or parasitical route, you will need to ensure your dog has proper vaccination and deworming schedules established. Furthermore, early detection of anemia can favor a more effective treatment, so go to a veterinarian as soon as symptoms are observed.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Anemia in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Cardiovascular diseases category.