Anemia in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Anemia in dogs is a condition in which the blood’s supply of red blood cells or hemoglobin is insufficient. Many different medical conditions can cause it. It can be a severe sign resulting from autoimmune diseases, trauma, toxins, or infections, among other things.
Pale gums in dogs, an elevated heart rate, and hypotension are all symptoms of canine anemia. A complete blood count can diagnose, but more tests may be needed to confirm it. Treatment might be symptomatic, but it’s generally necessary to treat the root problem.
Because there are so many things to cover, we’ve decided to share all you need to know about anemia in dogs.
Table of Content:
- What Is Anemia?
- What Causes Anemia in Dogs?
- What Are the Different Types of Anemia?
- What Are the Symptoms of Anemia in Dogs?
- How Is Anemia Diagnosed?
- How to Treat Anemia in Dogs?
- How to Prevent Anemia?
- The Takeaway
- Nutrition Strength Blood Support for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Blood Support for Dogs here.
What Is Anemia?
Anemia refers to a decrease in the quantity of circulating red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb), or both. It is the outcome of another illness process or condition rather than a different sickness.
The bone marrow produces red blood cells, then discharged into the bloodstream and circulated for three months. RBCs are eliminated from the bloodstream as they age or become damaged, and their components are recycled to make new red blood cells. The number of red blood cells might be reduced because of decreased synthesis, lysis (cell death), or more significant loss, as evidenced in hemorrhage (bleeding).
Hemoglobin transports oxygen to the body’s cells and tissues, and anemic dogs have symptoms associated with a shortage of oxygen.
What Causes Anemia in Dogs?
A variety of illnesses and circumstances can cause anemia. The following are some of the most frequent causes:
- Internal or external bleeding caused by trauma-related blood loss, such as a vehicle accident;
- Immune-mediated illness, in which the immune system of the dog attacks red blood cells;
- Internal GI bleeding caused by infection, inflammation, or medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
- Blood loss from parasite infestations such as fleas, whipworms, or hookworms;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Cushing’s disease;
- Infectious disorders such as canine distemper;
- Tick-borne infections such as ehrlichiosis;
- Toxins including rat poison and lead poison;
- Cancer;
- Chronic disorders that impair or inhibit red blood cell synthesis;
- Kidney disease;
- Bone marrow disease;
- Medication that interferes with red blood cell production.
Your dog may potentially be prone to anemia-causing disorders or diseases. Know your breed and any health problems it may face, and speak with your veterinarian about any symptoms of these illnesses to look out for.
What Are the Different Types of Anemia?
In dogs, there are several different kinds of anemia.
Blood Loss Anemia
Suppose that more than 30 – 40 percent of the total blood volume is lost. The situation is not treated swiftly with intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, or both. In that case, it can result in shock and possibly death. Significant injury or surgery are apparent sources of substantial loss. Assume that the beginning of the blood loss is unknown.
In that case, your veterinarian will investigate additional possibilities, such as clotting disorders, bleeding tumors, stomach ulcers, or parasites.
Internal parasites in dogs, such as hookworms, can cause significant blood loss, especially in puppies. Iron deficiency anemia develops as a result of low-grade, long-term blood loss. That causes hemoglobin deficiency and unusually tiny red blood cells.
Aplastic or Non-Regenerative Anemia
Nonregenerative anemias can be caused by dietary deficits, chronic illness, renal disease, or bone marrow disorders.
Nutritional Deficiencies
When the resources required for red blood cell production are insufficient, nutritional deficiency anemia develops. Anemia is a condition that develops over time. It might be regenerative at first but then becomes nonregenerative.
Anemia is caused by a combination of vitamin and mineral deficiencies and a negative energy and protein balance caused by starvation. Iron, copper, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin E are the most common deficiencies that cause anemia.
Anemia of Chronic Disease
Anemia induced by a long-term (chronic) condition is often mild to moderate in severity and nonregenerative. In animals, it is the most prevalent kind of anemia. Anemia can develop due to a long-term inflammation or infection, a tumor, liver illness, or hormonal problems, including adrenal gland abnormalities or an underactive thyroid gland.
Anemia is caused by inflammatory cells producing proteins called cytokines. They reduce iron availability, red blood cell survival, and the ability of the bone marrow to regenerate, resulting in anemia. The anemia is corrected when the underlying condition is treated. Medication that stimulates the generation of red blood cells is also available, although it may have adverse effects.
Kidney Disease
Nonregenerative anemia in animals is commonly caused by long-term renal dysfunction. Anemia develops when animals with kidney illness generate less erythropoietin. This kidney hormone encourages red blood cells in the bone marrow. For therapy, a synthetic variant of the hormone was utilized. Supplemental iron is required for red blood cell formation in animals undergoing the treatment.
Bone Marrow Diseases
Non-regenerative anemia and a decrease in the quantity of all types of blood cells — red, white, and platelets — can result from bone marrow illness or failure for any reason. White blood cells are affected first, followed by platelets, and finally red blood cells with widespread marrow involvement.
Aplastic anemia (in which the bone marrow’s ability to create all blood cells is diminished) has been described in dogs. The majority of cases have no known etiology. However, infections, medication treatment, toxins, or whole-body irradiation can all play a role. The immune system might play a role in the progression of this illness.
Hemolytic Anemia
When red blood cells are damaged, hemolytic anemia develops. They are frequently self-renewing. Hemolytic anemia in dogs can be caused by toxins, red blood cell injuries, infections, immune system deficiencies, and red blood cell membrane anomalies.
Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Anemia of this sort can develop independently or due to tumors, infections, medications, or immunizations. The body no longer identifies red blood cells as self and produces antibodies against them, causing them to be destroyed.
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia causes dogs to become jaundiced, have a fever, and have an enlarged spleen. They might have moderate, slow-developing symptoms and not show signs of pain, or they could have a sudden, life-threatening crisis.
Dog anemia treatment will be tailored to the symptoms by your veterinarian. Any underlying infections will be addressed, and needless medication will be stopped. Intravenous fluid treatment can be started, and blood transfusions can be added if necessary. Drugs that inhibit the immune system are also given to reduce the destruction of red blood cells.
Pneumothromboembolism (blocking a blood artery in the lungs by a portion of a blood clot that has broken free) is dangerous for dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Although the underlying cause is unknown, supportive therapy with fluids and blood transfusions may lessen the risk.
Fluids are required to maintain the kidneys functioning correctly. These solutions protect them from circulating bilirubin levels that are too high (the reddish-yellow pigments in the blood that cause jaundice). Anticoagulant medicine may be used if the risk of blood clots is significant.
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a fatal disease that affects 20% to 75% of animals. Rapid reductions in red blood cell count, moderate to high white blood cell counts, irregular bruising, and excessive clotting may suggest an increased risk of mortality.
Alloimmune Hemolysis
Antibodies target the red blood cells of another member of the same species. It results in alloimmune hemolysis. Neonatal isoerythrolysis is an example of a sickness that affects just a tiny percentage of dogs.
It occurs when puppies suckle from a mother whose colostrum includes antibodies against the newborn’s red blood cells. During mismatched blood transfusions, the mother develops antibodies. Neonatal isoerythrolysis causes newborns to appear normal at delivery. Still, they develop acute hemolytic anemia and become frail and jaundiced within 2 to 3 days.
Microangiopathic Hemolysis
Microangiopathic hemolysis develops when red blood cells are destroyed. That happens by turbulent passage via aberrant blood arteries. Dogs with severe heartworm infections, blood vessel tumors, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are at risk.
The last one is a condition in which small blood clots form throughout the bloodstream, blocking tiny blood vessels and depleting platelets and clotting factors needed to control bleeding. The underlying illness must be corrected before treatment can begin.
Metabolic Causes of Hemolysis
In dogs with diabetes, hepatic lipidosis, and refeeding syndrome, there is a phosphorus shortage in the blood. That leads to red blood cells’ death. The suggested therapy gives more phosphorus, either by mouth or by injection. It depends on the severity of the sickness.
Toxins (Drugs, Plants, Chemicals)
Anemia can be caused by various medicines if they are unintentionally consumed or if their prescription is not adequately managed. Common human and animal medications include acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen, penicillin, and various antibiotics and antiparasitic medicines.
Plants including oak, red maple, and bracken fern, as well as foods like fava beans and onions, chemicals, and heavy metals like copper, lead, selenium, and zinc, can cause canine anemia.
Infections
Many illnesses can lead to anemia, whether caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. That happens either by direct damage to red blood cells (leading to their demise) or through effects on the components in the bone marrow that create red blood cells. Infections with some organisms from the geniuses Ehrlichia and Babesia, for example, have been reported to induce anemia in dogs.
Inherited Diseases
Several hereditary red blood cell abnormalities cause anemia. Basenjis, Beagles, West Highland White Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and other breeds have pyruvate kinase (enzyme) deficits.
English Springer Spaniels suffer from phosphofructokinase (enzyme) insufficiency. These enzyme deficiencies cause a shorter red blood cell life span and regenerative anemia.
What Are the Symptoms of Anemia in Dogs?
Anemia is complicated because, while it might be one of several symptoms caused by an underlying ailment, it’s also conceivable that it’s the only one you notice. Regardless, keep an eye out for these signs of anemia in dogs:
- Vomiting;
- Appetite loss;
- Facial or jaw swelling;
- Black stools;
- Weight loss;
- Rapid pulse or breathing;
- Pale ears, or eyes;
- White gums in dogs;
- Weakness or lethargy.
How Is Anemia Diagnosed?
A blood sample is exposed to numerous tests to determine anemia. The packed cell volume (PCV) and hematocrit test (HCT) are the most prevalent. These tests are frequently done with a total blood cell count (BCC).
Red blood cells make up about 35 – 55 percent of the blood of a healthy dog. The dog is termed anemic if the PCV is less than 35 percent. The red blood cell count and hemoglobin count are two more tests to identify if a dog is anemic.
It’s crucial to know if the bone marrow makes more red blood cells in response to the lost red blood cells when there’s evidence of a low red blood cell count. When the body detects anemia, it releases immature (young) red blood cells from the bone marrow prematurely.
These immature red blood cells, known as reticulocytes, can be stained to aid blood smear identification. Increased reticulocyte counts show that the anemia is responding. That indicates that the body has detected anemia and seeks to remedy the deficiency by releasing immature red blood cells.
Most automated blood analyzers can detect the presence of reticulocytes, allowing your veterinarian to swiftly evaluate the body’s response to anemia.
A thorough blood smear examination is also necessary to search for blood parasites that might be destroying red blood cells. It is also needed to look for aberrant cells that could signal leukemia (high white blood cell count).
A slide agglutination test can also be used to rule out the possibility of autoimmune anemia. If there is a worry that the bone marrow is not reacting correctly to the anemic state, a bone marrow biopsy or aspirate is collected. A sample of bone marrow is taken and tested, which provides essential information about its status and, in some instances, reveals the reason for anemia.
Other relevant tests for anemic dogs include biochemical profiles and urinalysis. These tests assess organ function and electrolyte levels, offering valuable insight into the dog’s general health.
A fecal parasite check is necessary to determine whether parasites in the digestive system are causing blood loss.
Imaging investigations such as radiography or ultrasonography may be recommended to diagnose the reason.
How to Treat Anemia in Dogs?
Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests based on your dog’s history and current symptoms. They can include everything from a complete blood count to determining your pup’s anemic.
These tests can also evaluate blood cell characteristics, chemistry tests to determine sugar levels and organ function, and specialized tests to identify an underlying infectious disease. They may also check for iron in the blood, as an iron deficiency can cause anemia.
If your dog has anemia, the prognosis will be determined by the reason and if the underlying cause can be addressed. A treatment plan might be advised after your veterinarian has determined the source of your dog’s anemia through diagnostic tests.
One or more of the following treatments may be recommended by your veterinarian:
- Medications for parasites or deworming;
- Antibiotics;
- Medicines for the gastrointestinal tract;
- Supplements containing potassium phosphate;
- Modifications to current drugs;
- Bone marrow transfusion;
- Surgery;
- Intravenous fluids;
- Blood transfusions;
- Immunosuppressive medications.
How to Prevent Anemia?
The key to avoiding anemia in your dog is to prevent the situations that produce it (whenever possible). One strategy to assist your dog in avoiding developing anemia is to use year-round parasite control drugs to protect from ticks, fleas, and worms.
Keeping dangerous substances out of your puppy’s reach and giving him an anemic dog diet will help him not develop this disease.
Suppose your dog belongs to a breed that is prone to anemia (Shih Tzus, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, and American Cocker Spaniels). In that case, frequent wellness exams twice a year at your primary care veterinarian can help detect the indications of anemia early and treat it before the disease worsens.
The Takeaway
Anemia in dogs can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, autoimmune disorders, trauma, and toxic exposure. As some of the reasons are pretty dangerous, anemia should be treated as a severe symptom and you should call your veterinarian right once for more advice. Anemia’s prognosis is determined by the etiology and, if relevant, therapy.
Nutrition Strength Blood Support for Dogs
Check out our Nutrition Strength Blood Support for Dogs here.
Nutrition Strength’s Blood Support for Dogs, Supplement for Anemia in Dogs, Promotes Red Blood Cell Health, with a High Level of Iron, Vitamin B12, Organic Spirulina and Purpurea is specially made for pregnant dogs, active dogs, dogs suffering from anemia, substantial blood loss, weakness and tiredness after surgical stress and birthing recovery, as well as parasite infestation.
Our premium dog anemia supplement contains the ingredients needed to help your pets by:
- Delivering a high amount of iron, as well as vitamin B12 and ingredients rich in nucleic acids, which are essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin.
- Providing copper which may help your dog’s organism to mobilize iron from storage areas.
- Furnishing folic acids, whose deficiency may lead to problems such as anemia.
- Utilizing the vital role of vitamin B12 in red cell growth and development.
- Supplying iron toward the end of pregnancy may help to build the blood of healthy, strong puppies.
Nutrition Strength’s supplement for anemia in dogs and puppies delivers specially-chosen ingredients, which may help your dog’s body to make healthy new red cells. Our canine anemia tablets may help increase the levels of hemoglobin, which in turn may raise the oxygen level in the body and help raise your dog’s energy level.
Image source: Wikimedia / Tobias Weidner.
