The veterinarian will need your dog’s complete medical history as well as any drugs he is taking. Other blood test results such as iron deficiency or additional symptoms could make the veterinarian decide to investigate other possible causes. High numbers of spherocytes will require further tests that can definitively diagnose IMHA. Biopsies may also be needed to confirm the results of the X-rays, as well as urine tests to check for kidney or liver disease if a cancer diagnosis is inconclusive. If high levels of acanthocytes and schistocytes are found, the veterinarian will likely order x-rays or ultrasound to check for hemangiosarcoma or other tumors on the spleen, kidneys or liver. The veterinarian will use a blood smear test to look for deformed or misshapen red blood cells. Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)Ī complete blood cell count will be used to diagnose your dog’s anemia.Spherocytes – small sphere shaped red blood cells with part of the membrane removed: Cancer of the spleen, liver, or kidneys, especially hemangiosarcomaĮchinocytes (burr cells, regularly spiculated cells, or crenation) – regular short protrusions:.These are the most common types of deformed blood cells which can cause anemia, as well as the conditions with which they are often associated.Īcanthocytes (also called spur cells or irregularly spiculated cells) – irregular long protrusions: Veterinarians define deformed cells in terms of their structure, but there is a certain amount of variation in terminology. Paleness of mucus membranes, especially notable around the gums.If you notice any of the traditional symptoms of anemia, take your dog to see a veterinarian immediately. Anemia with deformed red blood cells is often associated with cancer of the spleen, and kidney or liver disease. Further definitions categorize cells based on their specific shape. Veterinarians define any abnormally shaped red blood cell as a poikilocyte. Deformed red blood cells can’t be used as a specific diagnosis, but they will help the veterinarian find the cause of your dog’s anemia.ĭeformed blood cells contribute to anemia since they are unable to properly transport oxygen. Metabolic conditions like iron or phosphorus deficiency also increase the fragility of red blood cells and make them more prone to injury and malformation. Spiculated or spiked cells are often present with spleen cancer (hemangiosarcoma) and lymphosarcoma, as well as diseases of the kidney and liver. Poikilocyte is a generic name for an abnormally shaped or deformed blood cell, but veterinarians try to categorize these cells more specifically based on their shape. In some cases the deformity may have been present from the cell’s formation in others, it is the result of damage or injury during the process of circulation. These cells contribute to the anemia since their shape makes them less able to transport oxygen. Depending on the cause, deformed or abnormally shaped blood cells can be present with many different types of anemia. Rather than a disease itself, anemia is usually a symptom of another underlying problem.
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