If your dog’s organism breaks down more red blood cells than it produces, anemia (low blood count) occurs. Anemia is not a disease, just a symptom caused by a disease. In the following, we will explain the possible causes of anemia in your dog, which symptoms you need to look out for and how anemia can be treated.
Key facts at a glance?
- Anemia is not a disease but a symptom.
- There are 3 causes of amemia: excessive blood loss, increased breakdown of red blood cells and disruption in blood formation.
- Tumors, chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases or blood parasites can be the cause.
- Prevention is possible to a limited extent
- A veterinarian should always be consulted if there is any suspicion.
Symptoms of anemia in dogs
Normally, there is a balance between the breakdown and new formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and hemoglobin (red blood pigment). If this is disturbed, sooner or later anemia will occur. One of the consequences of this is that your dog’s organism can no longer be supplied with sufficient oxygen.
The anemia can then manifest itself in your dog, for example, through the following symptoms:
- loss of appetite
- High temperature
- fatigue and exhaustion
- Pale mucous membranes
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- shortness of breath
- An increased heartbeat
- blood in the urine
Normally, it is hardly possible for laypersons to conclude that anemia is present based on the symptoms that occur. For this reason, we always advise you to take your dog to a veterinarian.
Possible causes of anemia in dogs
Anemia in dogs can basically have three different causes. It can either occur as a result of severe blood loss, be caused by an increased breakdown of red blood cells, or be caused by a blood formation disorder.
Anemia from excessive blood loss
If heavy blood loss is the cause of the anemia in the dog, the four-legged friend must be treated immediately. In addition to injuries, possible triggers in this case can also be an infestation with parasites, poisoning, blood clotting disorders and tumor diseases.
Anemia due to increased breakdown of erythrocytes
If the lifespan of the red blood cells is shortened, this is called haemolysis. This form of anemia can be triggered in your dog by things like chemicals or toxins, as well as an autoimmune disease. Other possible causes are tumors and blood parasites such as Babesia.
Anemia due to disorders in blood formation
There are also various possible reasons for anemia caused by disorders in blood formation. These include autoimmune diseases, tumors, chronic inflammation and infections as well as renal insufficiency.
In addition, an underactive thyroid gland, a tumor in the spinal cord or a lack of folic acid and iron can also be responsible for your dog’s body not being able to produce enough red blood cells.
Anemia in dogs: diagnosis by the veterinarian
If your dog is suspected of having anemia, the vet will do a blood test. This measures the hematocrit, i.e. the proportion of red blood cells in the dog’s blood.
In addition, the blood can be examined directly for various underlying diseases that can trigger anemia in dogs. In some cases, this can already be enough to determine the exact cause. However, it may also be the case that further examinations such as MRI, CT or even a biopsy are required.
Treatment of anemia in dogs
Anemia is merely a symptom of an underlying disease. Accordingly, the necessary treatment measures depend on what exactly triggered the anemia in your dog.
For example, while a chronic infection requires drug therapy, a tumor may require surgical intervention.
Irrespective of this, blood transfusions are often necessary to save the life of the affected dog if the anemia is already far advanced or if there is very heavy blood loss.
Prevention is only possible to a limited extent
The options for preventing anemia in dogs are severely limited. This is mainly due to the numerous factors that can trigger anemia. Still, there are some things you can do. These include vaccinations against infectious diseases such as parvovirus and distemper.
In addition, you should attach importance to an effective tick prophylaxis during the warmer months of the year. In this way, an infestation with blood parasites such as Babesia can be avoided.
Anemia in dogs: the most important facts at a glance
Anemia is not an independent disease, but merely a symptom that can be triggered by numerous causes. If left untreated, anemia in your dog can, in the worst case, lead to death.
For this reason, it is imperative that if you suspect it, you consult a veterinarian who can determine the cause and take the appropriate treatment measures. The sooner this happens, the better the chances are that your dog will survive the anemia and the underlying disease that caused it unscathed.
covers your veterinary costs
The treatment of anemia in dogs (depending on the cause) often involves high veterinary costs. In the worst case, it can even happen that you have to do without vital therapy measures because they exceed your financial possibilities.