Anaemia in dogs – Part 1 Investigation

Anaemia is a common clinicopathological finding in dogs. Clinical signs and physical examination findings are dependent on the severity of the anaemia and the disease chronicity. Dogs presented for anaemia may besignificantly compromised, such that administration of blood products may be required to stabilise them prior to performing diagnostic procedures (e.g. sedation or anaesthesia for bone marrow biopsy).

Broadly, causes can be divided into regenerative and non-regenerative categories. Obtaining a definitive diagnosis is desirable, in order to optimise the treatment plan and to provide the owner with a prognosis, time frame and likely cost implications; however, treatment decisions may need to be based upon the most likely scenario. Part 1 will cover investigation of anaemia in dogs, whilst Part 2 will cover treatment.