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If you've ever had anemia, you know that it makes you feel exhausted. But did you know that your dog can also develop anemia?
As with anemia in humans, canine anemia is a condition in which the body hasn't got enough red blood cells and struggles to transport oxygen around the body. This leaves the dog feeling lethargic and weak. Depending on the type of anemia and its underlying disease, different treatments are needed.
Let's look at the different conditions that can cause a low red blood cell count in dogs and when you need to get veterinary help for your pet.
What is Anemia in Dogs?
Anemia in dogs happens when your dog has fewer red blood cells and hemoglobin than usual in their bloodstream. Hemoglobin is a particular protein in red blood cells that contains iron to carry oxygen to all the tissues of the body.
Red blood cells are continually created in the bone marrow, as they tend to get damaged and naturally need replacing every few months. A disturbance in any part of this process can lead to anemia.
Types of Anemia in Dogs
Anemia in canines can be classified into various types, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, blood loss anemia, aplastic anemia, non-regenerative anemia, and iron-deficiency anemia. Each type has specific causes and affects the production or destruction of red blood cells in different ways.
Here are the various types explained:
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Also called autoimmune hemolytic anemia, this is when a dog's immune system attacks and destroys its red blood cells.
Blood loss anemia
This happens when a dog loses blood from injuries, parasites, or ulcers. The body can't produce red blood cells fast enough to equal the loss.
Aplastic anemia
This occurs when the bone marrow fails to make a sufficient number of red blood cells due to a low number of blood-forming cells
Non-regenerative anemia
This occurs when the bone marrow can make new red blood cells but there is an underlying condition within the body preventing adequate development of the red blood cells.
Iron-deficiency anemia
This condition occurs when there isn't enough iron in your dog's body for it to make red blood cells effectively.
What Causes Dogs to Have Anemia?
Different health conditions and factors can cause anemia in dogs. Some of the causes include:
- Not getting enough nutrients in the diet, particularly iron
- Stomach ulcers, causing bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
- Some tick-borne diseases like Ehrlichia or Babesia
- Viral infections like canine distemper and parvovirus
- Parasites that feed on blood, such as hookworms and fleas
- Accidents causing severe blood loss through internal or external bleeding
- Eating rat poison or exposure to other toxins
- Problems with the immune system that destroy red blood cells
- Bone marrow disease or certain genetic disorders affecting the production of red blood cells
- Cancer, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, kidney disease, or other chronic disorders
- Certain medications that can reduce red blood cell production
Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for the well-being of the dogs and to keep them from suffering from symptoms of anemia.
Signs & Symptoms of Anemia in Canines
You should watch out for these concerning symptoms of anemia in dogs:
- Changes in your dog's gums might indicate that your dog is developing anemia. A healthy dog has pink gums, but dogs with anemia often have pale pink or whitish gums.
- Lethargy or being tired all the time
- Weakness
- Bruises on their body
- Tarry stools or blood in their vomit or feces
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Diagnosing Dogs with Anemia
If you think your dog might be anemic, call the veterinarian and describe their symptoms. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and run some tests. Often, the first test to do is the packed cell volume (PCV) test, which measures the percentage of red blood cells in your dog's blood. If it's lower than 35%, your dog is considered anemic.
Because anemia is a symptom rather than a disease itself, further tests will be needed to identify the specific cause of anemia. These might include fecal tests, blood sample tests, urinalysis, and imaging exams.
For example, coagulation tests are done to check for clotting deficiencies, while problems in red blood cell production can show on blood smears. The veterinarian may require a bone marrow biopsy if a blood marrow disorder is suspected.
Treating Anemia in Dogs
The treatment for anemia in dogs involves stabilizing the blood and treating the underlying cause. If your dog's anemia is severe, the veterinarian may suggest a blood transfusion to help temporarily boost the oxygen capacity of the blood and stabilize your pet while further treatment takes effect.
Your dog's treatment plan will need to address the specific reason for their anemia. For example, if parasites are involved, then deworming may be recommended.
Immune-mediated disorders are often treated with immunosuppressive agents, while cancers may require chemotherapy drugs or surgery. Your vet team will continue to monitor your dog's PCV to make sure they are responding to treatment.
The Prognosis for Dogs with Anemia
Your dog's anemia prognosis depends on the specific underlying medical cause and your dog's overall health status. Timely intervention and proper medical attention can significantly improve the outcome and the chances of a successful recovery.
Prevention Tips
As anemia can be a symptom of a number of different illnesses, prevention focuses on maintaining your dog's overall health and detecting signs of disease early. Here are some tips:
- Provide your dog with a healthy and nutrient-rich diet.
- Ensure they don't come into contact with toxins like lead or rat poison.
- Schedule regular checkups with the veterinarian to catch any potential problems.
- Follow the veterinarian's recommendations for preventative medicine (like deworming and vaccinations) and treatments.
Conclusion
Anemia in dogs can be a symptom of various diseases, so it's important for pet parents to be aware of the symptoms and get their pet checked regularly. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as you notice any symptoms of anemia in your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cancer causes anemia in dogs?
A number of different cancers can cause anemia in dogs, including leukemia and cancer of the spleen, liver, or kidneys.
Is anemia in dogs painful?
Anemia is not painful for dogs, but the underlying medical condition causing the anemia may also cause pain and discomfort.
Can anemia kill a dog?
Anemia restricts the body's ability to carry oxygen to different parts of the body, so severe, untreated anemia can be fatal.
Can anemia in dogs be cured?
Anemia can be effectively cured if the underlying issue is treatable and properly identified in a timely manner.
What is the survival rate of a dog with anemia?
The survival rate of dogs with anemia largely depends on what has caused it, when treatment starts, and how well the dog responds to treatment.
What is the fastest way to cure anemia in dogs?
Because the red blood cell production process is so long, there is no shortcut to curing anemia. However, your veterinarian will prescribe the best treatment for the underlying cause of the anemia, and any stabilization your dog needs in the meantime.
