Classification of anemia

Question 1

General schemes for classifying anemia

Answer 1

1. Morphology via RBC size and Hgb concentration
2. Bone marrow responsiveness-> reticulocytes (except horses)
3. Pathophysiological mechanisms

Question 2

Morphology classification of anemia

Answer 2

Based on MCV and MCHC only

Question 3

Bone marrow responsiveness

Answer 3

Based on circulating reticulocytes (except horses who don’t release these)

Question 4

Reticulocytes count

Answer 4

Percentage of total RBC that are reticulocytes

Question 5

Acute blood lost

Answer 5

Will appear non regenerative at first. Within the 2-4 days increased release of reticulocytes is seen and peak is reached in 5-7 days

Question 6

Longer lasting anemia

Answer 6

If it has been >5days and there is no increase in reticulocytes, bone marrow is not responding and anemia is non regenerative

Question 7

What species will have low numbers of reticulocytes in health

Answer 7

Dogs and cats

Question 8

Assessment of regenerative response to anemia in equids

Answer 8

No polychromatophils
-Look for:
-Macrocytes of increased MCV
-Anisocytosis (RDW increase)
-Erythroid hyperplasia in bone marrow
-Trends: increasing Hct and MCV over several days

Question 9

Expected regenerative anemia

Answer 9

-Macrocytic
-Hypochromic
-Heterogenous
-Anisocytosis
-Polychromasia

Question 10

Expected findings for non regenerative anemia

Answer 10

-Normocytic
-Normochromic
-Homogeneous (RDW same)
-Minimal anisocytosis
-No to little polychromasia

Question 11

Indications of regenerative anemia

Answer 11

-Blood loss
-Hemolysis

Question 12

Indications of non regenerative anemia

Answer 12

Decreased erythropoiesis
Defective erythrocytes