Erythrocyte Disorders

Question 1

What species are frequently diagnosed with erythrocyte disorders?

Answer 1

Dogs and Cats

Question 2

Erthrocyte Disorders are associated with what 3 circumstances?

Answer 2

1. Decreased production of erythrocytes
2. Increased destruction of erythrocytes
3. Inappropriate loss (hemorrhage)

Question 3

What is one of the most common laboratory findings?

Answer 3

Anemia

Question 4

Anemia is usually secondary to another major cause. Name a few.

Answer 4

1. Hemorrhage
2. Hemolysis
3. Blood Parasites
4. Iron Deficiency
5. Immune-mediated disease
6. Toxins

Question 5

What are the two types of Anemia?

Answer 5

Regenerative and Non-Regenerative

Question 6

What is Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)?

Answer 6

RBCs coated with antibodies causing the immune system to destroy them.

Question 7

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is 4 times more prevalent in females.
There are many clinical signs of IMHA. Name a few.

Answer 7

1. Anorexia
2. Listlessness, weakness
3. Depression
4. Tachycardia , tachypnea
5. Pale mucus membranes
6. Icterus
7. Hepatomegaly, Splenomegaly

Question 8

Diagnosis of IMHA

Answer 8

CBC: Leukocytosis
Absolute Neutrophilia / Left Shift
Regenerative Anemia - reticulocyte

Question 9

Treatment of Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

Answer 9

1. Glucocorticoids
2. Heparin to prevent thromboembolism
3. Blood Transfusions