Unit #6: Worksheet: Anemia

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to anemia.

What is Normochromic?

Normal MCH and MCHC.

What is Hypochromic?

Decreased MCH and MCHC due to lower hemoglobin.

What is Hyperchromic?

Normal MHC and MCHC, but limited hemoglobin in RBCs.

What is Anemia? Is it a disease?

A decrease in red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin;

Not a disease in it’s own right, but a symptom usually caused by trauma or disease.

Name three causes of anemia.

1. RBC loss due to acute or chronic blood loss.

2. Inadequate production of RBCs by the bone marrow.

3. Destruction of RBCs (hemolysis).

What are three main clinical signs of anemia?

1. Pale mucous membranes

2. Lethargy or weakness

3. Increased heart rate

What is expected to see in a CBC after hemorrhage in a cat?

Decreased RBC, hematocrit (PCV), and hemoglobin; increased reticulocyte and neutrophil counts.

Define acute anemia.

Acute and severe blood loss; shock occurs with a loss of 1/3 of blood volume.

Define chronic anemia.

Slow chronic blood loss with low HCT and RBCs, but the animal is not in shock.

How is anemia classified? (2)

By RBC morphology (size and color) and pathophysiology (underlying cause).

What does regenerative anemia mean?

Regenerative Anemia :RBC numbers low, but bone marrow able to compensate and produce replacement cells.

What does non-regenerative anemia mean?

Non-regenerative Anemia: RBC numbers low, with no evidence of compensation (ie no new RBCs produced

What is hematocrit (HCT) also known as?

Packed cell volume.

Name 4 types of regenerative anemia.

1. Blood loss anemia

2. Hemolytic anemia

3. Anemia from blood-sucking parasites.

4. Hemostatic disorders: hereditary (eg. von Willebrand’s disease) or acquired (ingesting toxins)

True or False: Intravascular hemolysis is the most common form of RBC lysis.

False.

What is intrinsic hemolysis?

RBCs are defective from the beginning; very rare.

What is extrinsic hemolysis?

Normal RBCs are tagged as abnormal and destroyed, often due to parasites or antigens.

Eg. Covered with Parasites or (offending) Antigens.

Can a 6yr old Himalayan cat receive a blood transfusion with type A blood without typing first?

No, blood typing should be done first.

What is neonatal Isoimmune hemolytic anemia?

The Neonate ingests colostrum with antibodies against their own RBCs Seen most commonly in equines, but also in canines and felines subsequent pregnancy will result in colostrum containing high levels of that specific antibody. Coombs test on the foal will be positive

A foal tested negative on the coombs test. We should prevent that foal from ingesting the mares colostrum

False.

For a Pre-purchasing exam for import/export, does the Coggins test need to be negative?

True.

Heinz bodies in large numbers are often seen in cats due to what?

Presence of oxidized/denatured hemoglobin.

(onions, garlic, Acetominophen-tylenol wilted or dried red maple leaves-horses)

What are the four main categories of non-regenerative anemia?

1. Nutrient deficiency (iron deficiency)

2. Erythropoietin failure

3. Stem cell failure of all cell lines

4. Chronic disease.

What is polycythemia?

Increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC count above normal levels.