Dog Anemia - An Owner's Guide to Anemia in Dogs

Anemia in dogs occurs when there is an insufficient amount of red blood cells in the body. This can occur because the body is losing red blood cells too quickly to replace them, or if the body simply isn't producing red blood cells fast enough. Anemia isn't a disease, but is a symptom of an underlying condition. So, what exactly causes dog anemia?

Causes

This condition can occur for a number of reasons. Blood loss as the result of trauma or injury is one of the leading reasons. Some diseases prevent blood from clotting properly which is another possible cause. Parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms present another possibility. Other common causes include hypothyroidism and cancer.

Symptoms

Anemia in dogs produces numerous symptoms. The mucous membranes will have no color, so you may notice your dog has pale ears, gums, and eyes. He may even start to sleep more than normal and suffer from depression. Other signs that your dog is suffering from anemia include loss of appetite, increased heart rate, and fatigue.

Diagnosis

If you suspect your dog has anemia, you will need to seek help from a veterinarian. He will try to determine a cause for the condition. Blood tests are performed to check for parasites or under-developed red blood cells. Parasites may also be detected using a stool sample. Since leukemia is a common cause of the condition, your dog may have a bone marrow biopsy to check for it.

Treatment

Severe anemia in dogs has to be treated with a blood transfusion. Once the cause of the condition has been determined, it will have to be treated also. Milder cases don't normally require a blood transfusion.

This certainly isn't the only condition or disease that your dog can be affected by. Owners should know something about common diseases such as canine osteosarcoma. So, stop by today to read about a variety of common dog diseases.

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