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Anemia, Metabolic (Anemias With Spiculated Red Cells) in Dogs

Metabolic anemia in dogs occurs as the result of any underlying disease related to the kidney, liver, or spleen by which the shape of red blood cells (RBCs) is changed. Normally, red blood cells (RBCs) in dogs are of biconcave discoid shape, but in metabolic anemia, this shape is lost and they become abnormally elongated and blunt, with finger-like projections called spicules coming out of the surface of the RBCs. These abnormalities render RBCs non-functional, and left untreated, can lead to anemia in affected dogs.

Symptoms and Types

There are no specific symptoms related to metabolic anemia in dogs. However, the symptoms related to disease of kidney, liver, or spleen responsible for metabolic anemia may be present.

Causes

• Any disease of kidney, liver, or spleen
• Hemangiosarcoma (malignant cancer) of the liver is frequently seen as a common cause

Diagnosis

You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health and onset of symptoms Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination on your dog, including laboratory tests. A complete blood profile, biochemistry profile, complete blood count and urinalysis will be performed. The results of all these tests will provide valuable information for the diagnosis of this disease. These tests will also provide important clues for diagnosing the underlying disease of the kidney, liver, or spleen, which may be responsible for the metabolic anemia. X-ray imaging and ultrasound will expand your veterinarian's ability to evaluate the liver, kidney, and spleen structures.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for metabolic anemia. Once the underlying disease has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will begin the appropriate treatment. Treating the underlying disease usually resolves the abnormality.

Living and Management

You will need to revisit your veterinarian for progress checks. At each visit certain laboratory tests may need to be repeated in order to follow the current status of the disease and your dog's level of improvement. Follow your veterinarian's guidelines regarding your dog's medication, nutrition, and management during the recovery period.