La anemia in the dog It can be due to various triggers, such as some diseases or insufficient diet. This lack of iron occurs when the number of red blood cells in the blood is reduced, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Among its most classic symptoms we can name weakness, apathy or drowsiness, and it requires veterinary treatment to prevent the problem from getting worse.
There are different types of canine anemia, which depend on what their causes are. For example, anemia that is caused by a great loss of blood is very different from that caused by a lack of nutrients. It can be diagnosed with a quick blood test called a hematocrit (PVC), which indicates the volume of red cells in the bloodstream. Other more detailed tests may also be done, such as the CBC (complete blood cell count), which looks at red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The anemia symptoms they also depend on its cause. They range from mild signs such as pale gums, lethargy or intolerance to physical exercise; even more serious consequences, such as muscle weakness, lack of appetite, fainting, blood in the stool, swelling of the abdomen or seizures, even being fatal. Therefore, before any of these symptoms, it is best that we go to the vet.
He will know what is the most recommended treatment for our dog, which in turn will depend on the circumstances of each case. For example, if it is an anemia caused by sudden blood loss, it will be necessary an immediate transfusion.
On the other hand, if the anemia is the consequence of a lack of nutrients, called "Iron deficiency anemia", the expert will advise us on a specific diet to solve it. Although sometimes the intake of a vitamin supplement or medication is necessary. Another possibility is that the problem is caused by infections caused by parasites such as ticks; in that case, we will have to attack them with products recommended by the specialist.