One type of disease that is common in dogs is anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the circulatory system has a low number of red blood cells. The normal range of red blood cells in whole blood is between 39% and 60%. The bone marrow produces red blood cells. Their life span is up to 120 days.
Causes
Some types of canine anemia are idiopathic, meaning there are no known causes. However, most cases of anemia are caused by one of the following factors:
- Blood loss
- Autoimmune diseases
- Breakdown of red blood cells
Symptoms
Red blood cells transport oxygen to various parts of the body. When a dog has anemia, it lacks oxygen in the muscles and organs. Common symptoms include weakness, lack of energy and poor appetite. The dog’s tongue and gums may become white or pale pink. Breathing and pulse rate may be rapid. The dog may also have a noticeable heart murmur.
Types of anemia
- Blood-loss anemia can be caused by ulcers, tumors, trauma and bleeding in the stomach area. Blood-loss anemia can also occur in puppies, but it is often caused by fleas and hookworms.
- Hemolytic anemia is caused by an accumulation of hemoglobin and bile in the body. The dog would suffer from jaundice and dark brown-colored urine. The dog may also have enlarged lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Common causes include infectious diseases, poisonous snake bites and adverse reactions to medications.
- Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is the most common type of canine anemia. Antibodies attack antigens and destroy red blood cells in the process. Females between 2-8 years old are most commonly affected. Irish setters, poodles, cocker spaniels and Old English Sheepdogs are prone to this type of anemia.
- Congenital hemolytic anemia is caused by a genetic recessive trait that is present in cocker spaniels and English springer spaniels. It often occurs in puppies 2-12 months of age. There is no treatment available, making this anemia very deadly. Dogs with this disease usually die by age 3.
Diagnosis
If you suspect your dog is anemic, your vet may perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis. The hematocrit test involves spinning a blood sample in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. If the hematocrit is less than 35, your dog is anemic. A hemoglobin count or red blood cell count may also be done.
The next step is to find out the cause of the anemia, which will require further blood work. The vet may check the blood for parasites or immature red blood cells. A fecal sample may be needed to check for parasites. A urine sample can be reviewed to determine whether organ function is a factor. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be performed to check for diseases such as leukemia.
Treatment
In mild cases, the dog may be given prednisone or other medications to reduce the attack on the red blood cells. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be needed. The spleen may also need to be removed. One-third of dogs do not respond to treatment, but for those that do, the outlook is good.
Another way is to try alternative treatment. This involves the use of natural remedies to cure diseases. Natural Dog Health Remedies (http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/canine-anemia.html) has information about herbs, vitamins and homeopathic remedies you can try if your dog has canine anemia.