CLINICAL APPROACH TO ANEMIA

Anemia is not a diagnosis in itself but is a common clinical sign and laboratory test abnormality in companion animals. Thus, anemia may indicate a specific erythrocyte problem or can be associated with other organ disorders. Because anemia and other hematological abnormalities occur so frequently, a complete blood cell count is generally requested in the diagnostic assessment of any seriously ill patient. Anemia is defined as a decrease in the red blood cell (RBC) mass as expressed by a reduction in number of circulating RBCs, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Clinical signs of anemia result from decreased oxygen-carrying capacity, reduced blood volume, underlying disease, and the adjustments made to increase the efficiency of the erythron. The severity of clinical signs depends on the rapidity of onset, the degree and cause of anemia, and the extent of physical activity. […]