TOP 10 TIPS TO EVALUATE ANEMIA IN SMALL ANIMAL PATIENTS
GARRET PACHTINGER, VMD, DACVECC Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder VETgirl
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
1 As simple as it gets, anemia can be classified into three categories: • Blood loss
• Hemolysis (destruction) • Decreased production
Classification into one of these three categories is not simply academic, rather it allows the clinician to form a more targeted differential list for both the diagnostic workup and communication with the client. 2 Although fancy and more expensive diagnostics exist, one cannot ignore the cost-effective practicality of a simple packed cell volume (PCV) and total solids (TS) to evaluate anemia. For example, if the PCV and TS are both low, acute blood loss should be suspected. In contrast, a low PCV with normal total solids would be consistent with hemolysis or decreased red blood cell production. Here is a chart with a few examples of how PCV and TP together can help direct your diagnosis and treatment plan:
PACKED CELL VOLUME AND TOTAL SOLIDS
↑ PCV / ↑ TP
↓ PCV / Normal TP
↓ PCV / ↓ TP
Normal PCV / ↓ TP
• Blood loss • GI
• Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) • Protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) • Acute blood loss • Liver disease / failure
Hemoconcentration • Hemolytic anemia
• Anemia of chronic disease • Pure red blood cell aplasia
• Body cavity (abdominal, thoracic, etc.)
3 Don’t forget a blood smear! If the blood smear shows polychromasia and anisocytosis, this often indicates a regenerative response. Conversely, the lack of those cells may indicate a non-regenerative response. A blood smear can also help evaluate WBC morphology and an estimated platelet count. (continued)
8
vetgirlontherun.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker