Classification and Laboratory Evaluation of Anemia

Abstract

This chapter discusses initial and general diagnosis of anemia based primarily on laboratory findings. The clinical signs that prompt an animal's owner to seek a clinician to diagnose and then treat an anemia include weakness, lack of stamina, pale mucous membranes, icterus, and hemoglobinuria or hematuria (red urine). Anemia which is too mild to cause these signs is more often detected by initial hematological examination of patients. Anemia diagnosis should begin with a CBC including blood smear evaluation. Internal blood loss mimics hemolytic anemia in that erythrocytes are broken down within the body and plasma proteins are not lost from the body. External blood loss causes loss of plasma proteins as well as erythrocytes, so plasma protein concentration should be evaluated. Mild to moderate nonregenerative anemia is often secondary to conditions such as inflammation, renal or hepatic disease, endocrine disease, neoplasia, etc.

Published in

Title: Schalm's Veterinary Hematology, Seventh Edition
ISBN: 9781119500506, eISBN: 9781119500537Publisher: Wiley

SLU Authors

• Tvedten, Harold

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Clinical Laboratory Medicine


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119500537.ch25

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/129887