Ch. 5 Hematologic Disorders in Small Animals

Focus on blood disorders for the exam, not immunology.
Chapter 5 discusses various disorders but will concentrate on heme disorders.
Final exam set for a week from Friday, 11 AM to 1 PM; discussions on rescheduling.
Exam will mostly consist of new material with some significant prior concepts.
Mention of ongoing education regarding rabies and related case studies.
Discussion of intersex cases with recent examples provided.

Definition of Heme Disorder: Disease affecting bone marrow leading to issues in blood production.
Importance of blood donation for stimulating bone marrow.
Connection between anemia and underlying disorders:
- Anemia causes include both intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic factors (infections and toxins).
Types of Anemia:
- Regenerative Anemia: Bone marrow actively produces red blood cells.
- Non-regenerative Anemia: Bone marrow fails to produce adequate red blood cells.
Other blood disorders:
- Leukocytosis (increased white blood cells) and Leukopenia (decreased white blood cells).
- Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count leading to clotting issues.

Common Immunological Disorders:
- Anemia Types: Regenerative vs Non-regenerative.
Mechanisms: Exposure to toxins (e.g., rodenticides) leads to significant health issues in pets.
Inherited conditions can predispose pets to specific blood disorders (e.g., von Willebrand's in Doberman Pinschers).

Diagnostic Procedures:
- Complete blood count (CBC) using blood samples.
- Blood smear evaluation: Identifies cell types and abnormalities.
Blood Smear Definitions:
- Polychromasia: Variation in red blood cell color.
- Spherocytes: Red blood cells without central pallor – indicative of hemolytic anemia.
Bone marrow analysis is painful and performed under sedation; usually reserved for severe cases.
Imaging techniques assess organ health (spleen, liver).

Normal blood morphology: Central pallor visible in healthy red blood cells.
Treatment Options:
- Blood transfusions for severe anemia.
- Erythropoietin therapy helps stimulate red blood cell production.
Secondary treatment for coagulopathy includes vitamin K or plasma transfusions.

Case Study of Bella:
- Five-year-old cocker spaniel with lethargy, jaundice, dark urine.
Key physical findings during examination: Pale mucous membranes, signs of jaundice (icterus), mild splenomegaly.
Typical symptoms: Lethargy, weak, pale mucous membranes indicating anemia.
Diagnosis through blood smear reveals spherocytes, confirming IMHA.
Treatment includes steroids, with potential poor prognosis depending on severity.

Recognizing symptoms of anemia is critical for timely treatment.
Importance of veterinary intervention for conditions like IMHA; not suitable for home remedy approaches.
Emotional aspects: Owners facing difficult decisions regarding treatment outcomes for pets.
Acknowledgment that IMHA is a serious condition that may lead to euthanasia if unmanageable.