Anaemia SA

What is the definition of anaemia based on classification?

Decreased haematocrit (Hct), packed cell volume, or haemoglobin.

What are some clinical signs of anaemia?

Inadequate perfusion/oxygenation – pale mucous membranes, lethargy, exercise intolerance.

What compensatory mechanisms may occur in anaemia?

Tachycardia and tachypnoea.

What are some clinical signs related to underlying pathology of anaemia?

Splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, pain, pica, icterus, melena.

What PCV levels indicate severe anaemia in dogs and cats?

<20% in dogs, <15% in cats.

What are the RBC indices used to categorise anaemia?

MCV (size) and MCHC (colour).

What indicates that the bone marrow is producing more RBCs?

The presence of reticulocytes.

What is anisocytosis?

Variably sized RBCs.

What are Howell-Jolly bodies?

Nuclear remnants seen in certain types of anaemia.

What are Heinz bodies?

Aggregates of denatured hemoglobin within RBCs, often associated with oxidative damage.

What are acanthocytes?

Fragmented RBCs associated with injuries like clots or DIC.

What can echinocytes indicate?

Drug exposure, electrolyte disturbance, renal disease, or snake venom.

What are schistocytes?

RBC fragments typically associated with mechanical injury or vascular damage.

What do spherocytes indicate?

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).

What are the causes of regenerative anaemia?

Haemorrhage and haemolysis.

What are acute causes of hemorrhagic anaemia?

Traumatic wounds, blunt force, D+/V+, epistaxis, DIC.

What are chronic causes of hemorrhagic anaemia?

Melena, chronic wounds, GI/blood borne parasitism (e.g. babesia).

What is a common autoimmune condition that causes haemolysis?

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).

What are the causes of non-regenerative anaemia?

Decreased bone marrow production of RBCs or chronic haemorrhage/haemolysis.

What can decrease bone marrow production of RBCs?

Infection, chronic damage, neoplasia, or lack of raw materials (e.g. iron deficiency).

What is pre-regenerative anaemia?

A temporary state where the bone marrow has not yet released reticulocytes.

What emergency treatments are involved in managing anaemia?

Oxygen therapy, temperature management, analgesia, emergency surgery.

What fluids are used in management of anaemia?

IV fluid therapy and potentially blood transfusions.

What is the treatment for haemorrhage in anaemia management?

Diagnose and treat coagulopathy, physically stop bleeding, address internal causes.

What glucocorticoids are used for treating IMHA?

Glucocorticoids may include medications like prednisone.

What is the treatment for babesia?

Doxycycline and parasite control.

How is ehrlichia diagnosed and treated?

SNAP test for diagnosis, treated with doxycycline.

What is N-acetylcysteine used for?

To treat oxidative damage from heavy metals, onions/garlic, or paracetamol.

What is aplastic anaemia?

Failure of myeloid cell production typically due to toxicity or infection.

What clinical signs are associated with aplastic anaemia?

Anaemia, clotting disorders due to loss of platelets, and reduced immunity from loss of neutrophils.