Print

Regenerative Anemia in Dogs

Blood is made up a cellular portion, and a liquid portion called plasma. This cellular makeup of blood includes the red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. When there are not enough red blood cells, the body is said to be anemic. One type of anemia, regenerative anemia, occurs when the body loses blood faster than it can be regenerated, despite the fact that new red blood cells are being produced in the bone marrow.

This condition can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how regenerateive anemia affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms and Types

• Pale gums
• Pale eyes and ears
• Weakness
• Rapid heart beat
• Depression
• Sleeping more than normal
• Failure to groom
• Weak appetite
• Excessive panting
• Heart murmur
• Hemolytic anemia:
  • Yellow gums
  • Yellowing of whites of eyes

Causes

• Parasites (worms)
• Fleas
• Wound
• Cancer
• Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Hemolytic anemia, which can be due to :
  • Ingestion of toxic materials
  • Ingestion of pennies
  • Ingestion of onions and/or acetaminophen
  • Bacterial and viral infections
  • Defective red blood cells
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Parasites of the blood

Diagnosis

• Complete blood test (CBC)
• Packed cell volume test (PCV)
• Urinalysis
• Bone marrow aspirate