Anemia in Dogs

Anemia is a condition occurring when there are low RBC or hemoglobin levels in the blood. ^[2,3]. It is not a particular disease by itself but occurs mostly because of underlying conditions like chronic kidney diseases ^[38], diabetes, an enlarged spleen or splenic tumor ^[11], lymphoma or cancer that results in lesser number of erythrocytes or red blood cells. Other external factors like parasite bite, some injury or reactions to a particular drug may also be responsible ^[3].

Symptoms of anemia

The early signs of anemia often seen in most affected dogs include:

• Tiredness
• Exercise intolerance
• White, pink or pale coloration of the skin and gum ^[16]

Hair loss is another sign observed in dogs with chronic anemia^[13].

There may be other symptoms depending on the cause and type of anemia present in your dog.

Poodle, Irish Setter, Cocker Spaniel and Collies between the ages of one and thirteen ^[8,9], are mostly affected by hemolytic anemia, whereas Giant Schnauzers and Toy Poodles are more prone to megaloblastic anemia^[27].           

How is a low red blood cell count diagnosed in dogs

• Blood smear to check if the bone marrow is producing sufficient red blood cells (in the case of low blood cell count) ^[3].
• A bone marrow biopsy to check if it is properly responsive ^[25].
• Urinalysis to detect chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Biochemical profiles to test the internal organ functioning and electrolyte levels ^[3].
• Fecal parasite test to check if parasites are responsible for the blood loss ^{[3, 12]}.
• A blood test to check your dog’s red blood cell count and hemoglobin level ^[20].

How to treat your anemic dog

Medical Treatment

Mild to moderate anemia can be managed at home with a healthy diet plan and adequate medications.

If your dog is diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in its severe form or chronic anemia where a lot of red blood cells have been destroyed, a blood transfusion may be recommended to stabilize its condition^[3,5].

At times the dog’s body is so weak to produce sufficient red blood cells that multiple transfusions may be needed ^[1]. Treatment for the underlying conditions also begins ^[1].

Home remedies and dietary changes

• For anemia related to blood loss or iron deficiency, include foods that are rich in iron, like red meat, chicken, turkey, and pork ^{[22, 23]}.
• For megaloblastic anemia, give it vitamin B9 (folic acid) and B12 rich foods like egg yolk, rye, whole wheat, pumpkin, carrots ^[35], milk, fish, and beef.
• For pernicious anemia, include vitamin B12 rich foods such as milk, liver, fish and beef ^{[22, 23]}.
• Green vegetables should also form a significant part of their diet because of the rich chlorophyll content ^[22].

You can also attempt other remedies like sprinkling kelp powder in his food, giving him phosphorous (to control bleeding) and sulfur (for flea or worm bites) pellets or trying out herbal remedies (yellow dock, burdock, raspberry and red clover). However, have a word with the vet before implementing any of these ^[21,22].

Prognosis for anemia

The prognosis depends on the cause and the condition of your dog when diagnosed. Early diagnosis of mild to moderate anemia has better chances of recovery, depending on the dog’s overall health ^[3].

Chronic aplastic anemia may take some time to improve.

Anemia occurring after an operation, or due to an ulcer is curable as soon as the bleeding stops ^[6].

Nonimmune hemolytic anemia has chances of getting better once the hemolysis or the agent damaging red blood cells is detected and removed ^[6].

For autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the life expectancy is as high as 50% to 80%, unless there are further complications ^[24].

Though it is not possible to completely prevent anemia in dogs, take certain precautionary measures like protecting your pet from sustaining injuries, being bitten by fleas or ticks, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and food habits.