Anemic Dogs Research Articles

Using RET-He and Delta-He in the Sysmex XN-1000V Analyzer to Differentiate Between Chronic Hemorrhagic and Chronic Inflammatory Anemia in Small Animals

Chronic hemorrhagic anemia (CHA) and anemia of chronic inflammation (ACI) are difficult to differentiate in small animals using hematology. Advanced hematological parameters (RET-He, Delta-He and %Hypo-He) are used in humans to discriminate between types of non-regenerative anemia. Whether they could be useful in the diagnosis of CHA and ACI in small animals is unknown. We evaluated these parameters in the Sysmex XN-1000V analyzer in a population of non-anemic and anemic dogs and cats. Delta-He was significantly different between dogs with CHA and ACI. Moreover, Delta-He and RET-He were different between healthy and non-anemic dogs with inflammation. Neither of these two statements was true for cats. We also report the reference ranges for these parameters using the Sysmex XN-1000V. Although additional clinical and laboratory information should always be considered, the measurement of these parameters using this analyzer can help clinicians to classify type of anemia.

Clinical anemia predicts dermal parasitism and reservoir infectiousness during progressive visceral leishmaniosis.

Dogs represent the primary reservoir for Leishmania infantum human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) through phlebotomine sand flies. Public health initiatives targeting zoonotic VL commonly focus on dogs with severe clinical disease, often in renal failure, as they have previously been considered the most infectious to sand flies. However, more recent studies suggest that dogs with mild to moderate clinical disease may be more infectious than dogs with severe disease. The mechanisms of infectiousness from the skin and how this relates to transmissibility as clinical disease progresses is largely unknown. We evaluated dermal parasitism in dogs naturally infected with L. infantum across the four LeishVet clinical stages of disease. We establish the relationship between dermal parasitism, critical, frequently observed, clinical parameters such as anemia and creatinine, and infectiousness. Using RNAscope and confocal microscopy, we found notable variation in dermal parasitism between dogs, particularly within LeishVet II. Dogs with mild disease had significantly less dermal inflammation and parasitism than dogs with moderate or severe disease. We found significant correlations between anemia, dermal parasitism, and infectiousness (p = 0.0098, r = -0.4798; p = 0.0022, r = -0.8364). In contrast, we did not observe significant correlation between creatinine, a measure of renal function, and dermal parasitism or infectiousness. Host blood cell abnormalities, including anemia, correlate with infectiousness to sand flies. As these signs of disease often appear earlier in the course of disease, this indicates that classical measures of disease severity do not necessarily correlate with infectiousness or epidemiological importance. Public health initiatives attempting to break the zoonotic cycle of L. infantum infection should therefore focus on preventing transmission from infectious, anemic dogs, and not those with the most severe disease.

Acid–base and electrolyte changes in dogs after packed red blood cell transfusion

AbstractBackgroundPacked RBC (pRBC) transfusions are often necessary to enhance organ perfusion and tissue oxygenation in cases of severe anemia.ObjectivesWe aimed to describe changes in acid–base and biochemical parameters in dogs after transfusion of pRBC and potential effects on the outcome.MethodsThe prospective observational study included anemic dogs requiring pRBC transfusions. Venous blood gas and electrolytes were measured pre‐transfusion and repeated within 1 h post‐transfusion. Signalment, pre‐existing conditions and underlying disease(s), number of days spent of hospitalization, the quantity of transfused pRBC units, and the outcome were also recorded. Associations between analytical values and all other parameters before and after transfusion were assessed using the Wilcoxon test. A generalized linear model was generated for each of the blood gas parameters post‐transfusion, including the pre‐transfusion values and the characteristics of the animal as fixed effects. The effect of the blood gas parameters on the mortality and hospitalization length was assessed using logistic regression and generalized linear models, respectively.ResultsTwenty‐six dogs with different causes of anemia were included in the study, with dogs remaining hospitalized for a median of 3 days (range: 0–11). Pre‐transfusion heart rate, respiratory rate, Angap, base excess, and lactate were higher than post‐transfusion values. Post‐transfusion results showed an increase in hematocrit, hemoglobin, HCO3‐, PCO2, tCO2, and chloride. Pre‐transfusion hypophosphatemia and receiving an increased volume of transfused pRBC were associated with a longer hospital stay, while higher pre‐transfusion lactate values were associated with higher mortality.ConclusionspRBC transfusion in anemic dogs was associated with an improvement in perfusion and acid–base parameters. Pre‐transfusion lactate may be an indicator of mortality in dogs.

Performance of red blood cell indices for the detection of reticulocytosis in anemic and non-anemic dogs in Taiwan

Reticulocyte counts (RETIC) are considered the gold standard in detecting an erythroid bone marrow response (BMR) in anemic and non-anemic dogs. Reticulocytosis without anemia (RWA) is a potential indicator of disease. The prevalence of anemia or RWA, as well as the effectiveness of red blood cell (RBC) indices in identifying a BMR, may vary based on geographical locations and breed differences. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of regenerative and nonregenerative anemia, and RWA in pet dogs of Taiwan, and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of combined increased mean cell volume and decreased mean cell hemoglobin concentration (iMCV+dMCHC) to detect reticulocytosis in this population.The final population analysis consisted of 149,076 dogs. A cross sectional, retrospective analysis of complete blood count (CBC) samples from a field of automated hematology analyzers in Taiwan from December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020 was performed. Among 149,076 dogs, 11.8 % (n=17,600) had reticulocytosis (RETIC > 110K/µl) and 21.8 % (n=32,474) had anemia (HCT < 37.3 %). Of 32,474 anemic dogs, 17.8 % (n=5,789) had reticulocytosis. Of 116,602 dogs without anemia, 10.1 % (n=11,776) had reticulocytosis. Across all dogs, sensitivity/specificity of iMCV+dMCHC to detect BMR was 4.3 % and 99.4 %, respectively compared to RETIC. Among anemic dogs, sensitivity/specificity of iMCV+dMCHC to detect BMR was 9.8 % and 99.2 %, respectively. Among non-anemic dogs, sensitivity/specificity of iMCV+dMCHC to detect BMR was 1.6 % and 99.5 %, respectively. Therefore, most regenerative anemias and cases of RWA did not have a combined iMCV+dMCHC. To avoid overlooking potential illness, RETIC should be evaluated regardless of whether patients have anemia or not.

Methylprednisolone alone or combined with cyclosporine or mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs, a prospective study.

Benefit of adding a second-line immunosuppressive drug to glucocorticoids for the treatment of non-associative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (naIMHA) in dogs has not been defined prospectively. Evaluate the effectiveness of different immunosuppressive protocols in naIMHA dogs. Forty-three client-owned dogs. Open label, randomized, clinical trial. Dogs were treated with methylprednisolone (M-group), methylprednisolone plus cyclosporine (MC-group) or methylprednisolone plus mycophenolate mofetil (MM-group). Dogs were defined as responders by disappearance of signs of immune-mediated destruction and hematocrit stabilization. Frequency of responders was compared between M-group and combined protocols (MC and MM-group evaluated together), and among the 3 different therapeutic groups at 14 (T14), 30 (T30), 60 (T60) days after admission. Frequency of complications, length of hospitalization and relapse were also compared. Death rate was evaluated at discharge, T60 and 365 (T365) days. Proportion of responders was not significantly different between M-group and combined protocols (MC and MM-groups), nor among the 3 therapeutic groups at T14, T30, and T60 (P > .17). Frequency of relapse, complications, and length of hospitalization were not significantly different between M-group and dogs treated with combined protocols, nor among the 3 treatment groups (P > .22). Death was significantly more common only for MM-group compared with MC-group at T60 (+42.8%; 95% CI: 11.5-67.4; P = .009), and at T365 (+50%; 95% CI: 17.5-73.2; P = .003). Combined immunosuppressive therapy did not improve hematological response in naIMHA.

Vector-borne diseases imported to Poland between 2021 and 2023.

The aim of the study was to monitor the occurrence of selected vector-borne diseases in anaemic dogs arriving in or returning to Poland from areas endemic for these diseases. The study involved 497 dogs, of which 184 came to Poland from Ukraine with their owners fleeing the war. Other animals returned to the country from holidays spent in Croatia (n = 96), Turkey (n = 79), Italy (n = 48), Bulgaria (n = 42), Albania (n = 36) and Romania (n = 12). Molecular biology methods were used for detection of pathogens transmitted by the vectors. Molecular tests revealed the presence of vector-borne pathogens in 79 dogs. The most commonly diagnosed infection was caused by Babesia canis (27 dogs), followed by infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum (in 20 dogs), Mycoplasma haemocanis (15 dogs), Bartonella henselae (7 dogs), Ehrlichia canis (4 dogs), Hepatozoon canis (3 dogs), Babesia gibsoni (2 dogs) and Leishmania infantum (1 dog). Most of the sick dogs (n = 39) came from Ukraine. In dogs spending holidays with their owners outside Poland, vector-borne diseases were most often detected after their return from Turkey (n = 16), and next in descending order from Croatia (n = 7), Italy (n = 6), Albania (n = 4), Bulgaria (n = 4) and Romania (n = 3). The wider migration crisis and increasingly frequent trips of owners with their dogs to areas of endemic infectious and parasitic diseases observed in recent years are the main risk factors for the occurrence of these diseases in Poland. Therefore, constant monitoring of vector-borne diseases, especially in dogs returning from holidays and arriving in Poland from abroad, seems to be crucial for their early detection and introduction of appropriate therapy.

Anemia in Dogs with Acute Kidney Injury.

Anemia is a well-known complication in CKD dogs, but its frequency in AKI dogs has been poorly investigated. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate frequency, degree of severity, and regeneration rate of anemia in relation to IRIS grade, etiology, therapy, and outcome. Medical records of dogs (2017-2023) with historical, laboratory, and ultrasound findings consistent with AKI were retrospectively reviewed. According to etiology, AKI was classified as ischemic/inflammatory (IS), infectious (INF), nephrotoxic (NEP), obstructive (OBS), and unknown (UK). AKI dogs were also classified according to therapeutical management (medical vs. hemodialysis), survival to discharge (survivors vs. non-survivors). Anemia was defined as HCT < 37% and classified as mild (HCT 30-37%), moderate (HCT 20-29%), severe (13-19%), or very severe (<13%). Anemia was classified as microcytic (MCV < 61 fL), normocytic (61 and 73 fL), and macrocytic (>73 fL). Anemia was considered hypochromic (MCHC< 32 g/dL), normochromic (32 and 38 g/dL), and hyperchromic (>38 g/dL). Regeneration rate was considered absent (RET ≤ 60,000/μL), mild 61,000-150,000/μL), and moderate (>150,000/μL). A total of 120 AKI dogs were included in the study, and anemia was found in 86/120 dogs (72%). The severity of anemia was mild in 32/86 dogs (37%), moderate in 40/86 dogs (47%), severe in 11/86 dogs (13%), and very severe in 3/86 (3%). Anemia was normochromic in 71/86 dogs (83%), hyperchromic in 12/86 dogs (14%), and hypochromic in 3/86 dogs (3%). Normocytic anemia was present in 56/86 dogs (65%), microcytic anemia in 27/86 dogs (31%), and macrocytic anemia in 3/86 dogs (4%). Non-regenerative anemia was found in 76/86 dogs (88%). The frequency of anemia increased significantly (p < 0.0001) with the progression of IRIS grade, although no significant difference in the severity of anemia was found among the IRIS grades. The frequency of non-regenerative forms of anemia was significantly higher than regenerative forms (p < 0.0001) in all IRIS grades. In our population of AKI dogs, anemia was a very frequent finding, in agreement with current findings in human nephrology.

Retrospective Study of Clinicopathological Changes and Prediction Model for Canine Vascular Neoplasms.

Vascular neoplasms, including hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and hemangioma (HMA), are more common in dogs than other domestic animal species; however, comprehensive laboratory screening tests for early diagnosis are currently limited. The aims of this study were to investigate general signalments, anatomic locations, and clinicopathological abnormalities of dogs diagnosed with vascular neoplasms and to determine the diagnostic significance of these abnormalities. Retrospective data of dogs with HMA, HSA, and healthy dogs were analyzed. Dogs with HMA and HSA were seniors, with mixed breeds being most affected. HMA affected predominantly non-visceral sites, while HSA was more common in visceral sites, particularly the spleen. In multivariate model analyses, the odds of HMA diagnosis were 5.5 times higher in anemic dogs and 33.0 times higher in lymphopenic dogs compared to dogs without the abnormalities. The odds of HSA diagnosis were 42.5 times higher in anemic dogs, 343 times higher in lymphopenic dogs and 92.7 times higher in dogs with hyperfibrinogenemia compared to dogs without the abnormalities. The study suggested that these identified abnormalities were nonspecific and commonly observed in various chronic diseases, and hence their combination with clinical information, such as diagnostic imaging and histopathology, is important to facilitate a more precise diagnosis of canine vascular neoplasms.

Molecular survey of Piroplasmida, Hepatozoon spp. and Anaplasmataceae in anemic and thrombocytopenic dogs from Uruguay

Canine tick-borne diseases, such as babesiosis, rangeliosis, hepatozoonosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis, are of veterinarian relevance, causing mild or severe clinical cases that can lead to the death of the dog. The aim of this study was detecting tick-borne protozoan and rickettsial infections in dogs with anemia and/or thrombocytopenia in Uruguay. A total of 803 domestic dogs were evaluated, and 10% were found positive (detected by PCR) at least for one hemoparasite. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of four hemoprotozoan species: Rangelia vitalii, Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum, and the rickettsial Anaplasma platys. The most detected hemoparasite was R. vitalii, followed by H. canis and A. platys. This is the first report of B. vogeli in Uruguay and the second report of H. americanum in dogs from South America. The results highlight the importance for veterinarians to include hemoparasitic diseases in their differential diagnosis of agents causing anemia and thrombocytopenia.

The Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) in the Sysmex XN-1000V Analyzer Can Differentiate between Causes of Regenerative and Non-Regenerative Anemia in Dogs and Cats.

The Sysmex XN-1000V analyzer can identify those reticulocytes with high RNA content and fluorescence, providing the immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF). While this parameter has been used in human medicine to identify the cause of anemia, few studies have focused on its use in veterinary medicine. In this study, we determined the IRF and related reticulocyte parameters in a large population of non-anemic and anemic dogs and cats (subclassified depending on the origin of their anemia). The IRF was significantly higher in hemolytic anemias compared to hemorrhagic ones in both species. Moreover, the IRF was significantly lower in dogs and cats with bone marrow failure than in other non-regenerative anemias and in both groups compared to pre-regenerative anemias. The accurate cut-off values for the differential in regenerative anemias and reference ranges for both species using the Sysmex XN-1000V are also reported. The measurement of the IRF in this analyzer can help clinicians to further classify the type of anemia in both species.

Diagnosis of immune mediated haemolytic anemia in dogs affected with B. gibsoni

Diagnosis of immune mediated haemolytic anemia in dogs affected with B. gibsoni

Transcriptomic analysis of bone marrow specimens collected from Miniature Dachshunds diagnosed with non-neoplastic bone marrow disorders.

Non-neoplastic bone marrow disorders are main causes of non-regenerative anemia in dogs. Despite the high incidence of the diseases, their molecular pathophysiology has not been elucidated. We previously reported that Miniature Dachshund (MD) was a predisposed breed to be diagnosed with non-neoplastic bone marrow disorders in Japan, and immunosuppressive treatment-resistant MDs showed higher number of platelets and morphological abnormalities in peripheral blood cells. These data implied that treatment-resistant MDs might possess distinct pathophysiological features from treatment-responsive MDs. Therefore, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of bone marrow specimens to investigate the pathophysiology of treatment-resistant MDs. Transcriptomic analysis comparing treatment-resistant MDs and healthy control dogs identified 179 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pathway analysis using these DEGs showed that "Wnt signaling pathway" was a significantly enriched pathway. We further examined the expression levels of DEGs associated with Wnt signaling pathway and confirmed the upregulation of AXIN2 and CCND2 and the downregulation of SFRP2 in treatment-resistant MDs compared with treatment-responsive MDs and healthy control dogs. This alteration implied the activation of Wnt signaling pathway in treatment-resistant MDs. The activation of Wnt signaling pathway has been reported in human patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which is characterized by dysplastic features of blood cells. Therefore, the results of this study implied that treatment-resistant MDs have distinct molecular pathological features from treatment-responsive MDs and the pathophysiology of treatment-resistant MDs might be similar to that of human MDS patients.

A retrospective study of vector borne disease prevalence among anemic dogs in North Carolina.

Anemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Further understanding of the prevalence of vector borne diseases (VBD) in anemic dogs is needed. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the rate of exposure to or infection with VBD among anemic dogs presented to a teaching hospital in North Carolina and to further characterize the anemia in dogs with VBD exposure. A total of 597 anemic dogs that were concurrently tested for VBD were examined at a referral veterinary hospital between January 2012 and December 2018. Retrospective descriptive study. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and VBD testing data were obtained from medical records. Of the 597 anemic dogs examined, 180 (30.15%; 95% CI: 26.49-34.01%) tested positive for one or more VBD. There was no difference in the severity of anemia or the proportion of dogs displaying a regenerative anemia between dogs testing positive and negative for VBD. A large proportion of anemic dogs from this region test positive for exposure to or infection with VBD. Our study supported the use of PCR and serology run in parallel to maximize the chance of detecting exposure to or infection with VBD compared to either serology or PCR alone. At this time, it is unknown whether infection with VBD contributed to the development of anemia in these patients. However, given the prevalence of VBD exposure in anemic dogs, testing for VBD in anemic patients from this region of the United States is warranted.

Plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in dogs with anaemia.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a cause of anaemia in dogs. A reliable, non-invasive biomarker to differentiate gastrointestinal bleeding from other causes of anaemia would be advantageous to direct clinical decisions in anaemic patients. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio is an accepted biomarker of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in human medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in a population of dogs with anaemia. This was a prospective cross-sectional study of dogs with anaemia presenting to referral centres for the investigation of anaemia. Cases were categorised as having overt gastrointestinal bleeding (melena on presentation), occult gastrointestinal bleeding (historical and diagnostic findings consistent with gastrointestinal bleeding without melena at presentation) or anaemia of other cause (confident diagnosis other than gastrointestinal bleeding reached, normal diagnostic imaging of gastrointestinal tract). Urea:creatinine ratio at presentation was calculated by dividing urea (mg/dL) by creatinine (mg/dL). Ninety-five dogs were included. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not significantly different between dogs with overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding or those with anaemia of other cause (median urea:creatinine ratio 25.8, 20.7 and 22.5, respectively). No significant difference in urea:creatinine ratio was found between dogs with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (median urea:creatinine ratio 19.4 and 24.6, respectively). Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not helpful in differentiating between dogs with anaemia resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding (overt or occult) and those with other causes of anaemia.

Prevalence and Role of Anemia in Mortalities of Dogs with Babesiosis

Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and hemoglobin in the blood due to hemolysis, hemorrhage, or decreased production of RBC. This research determined the prevalence, characteristics, and role of anemia in association with babesiosis in dogs for one year. A total of 103 dogs positive for babesiosis presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, were screened for anemia. Among these, 80 dogs displaying anemia were selected. A thin blood smear was used to identify Babesia spp. The PCV and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were determined using an automatic hemoglobinometer (Acon Laboratories, Inc., San Diego, USA). Temperature, pulse, PCV, Hb, and RBC assessed were correlated with mortalities. The findings indicated that 32 anemic babesiosis were male. The percentage of severe anemia was higher, compared to mild or moderate anemia. The age-specific prevalence of anemia was highest among dogs above 3 years but lowest in the age range of 1-3 years. Small breeds of dogs had a higher prevalence of anemia compared with larger breeds. The mortality rate was 18 (22.5%), with severe or microcytic hypochromic anemia being the highest. The temperature and pulse rates of the dogs that died were higher than those of survivors, while the PCV, Hb, and total RBC counts were significantly lower than those of survivors. In conclusion, the prevalence of anemia in dogs with babesiosis in this study was very high. Most of the mortalities recorded in the present study can be attributed to severe anemia and microcytic hypochromic anemia, with mortality rates of 61.% and 38.9%, respectively.

Anemia in canine chronic kidney disease is multifactorial and associated with decreased erythroid precursor cells, gastrointestinal bleeding, and systemic inflammation.

Compare erythropoiesis-related factors between different stages of canine chronic kidney disease (CKD). 8 healthy adult dogs (controls), and 24 dogs with CKD, equally divided into 3 groups based on International Renal Interest Society-CKD Guidelines (stage 2, 3, and 4) were recruited between December 2012 and December 2014. The following were assessed in all dogs and then compared between groups: bone marrow cytology, CBC, reticulocyte count, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, blood pressure, occult gastrointestinal bleeding, and serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH), erythropoietin, interleukin-1β, interleukin-3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interferon-γ. Erythropoiesis inducing and suppressing factors and the results of the bone marrow cytology of dogs in stage 2 CKD did not differ from the control group. The presence of reticulocytosis in CKD stage 2 suggests that blood loss or erythrocyte destruction might be contributing to developing anemia. Anemia in dogs with progressive CKD was associated with increasing PTH and TNFα and with elevation of the ratio of myeloid to erythroid precursor cells caused by hypoplasia of the erythroid series. The latter was represented mainly by a decrease in the population of polychromatophilic rubricytes and metarubricytes. Increased PTH and TNFα seem to contribute to the reduced percentage of polychromatophilic rubricytes and erythroid population, thereby aggravating the anemia of dogs with advanced CKD. Gastrointestinal blood loss contributes to anemia in all canine CKD stages.

Preliminary Study on Treatment Outcomes and Prednisolone Tapering after Marine Lipid Extract EAB-277 Supplementation in Dogs with Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a common autoimmune disorder in dogs with a high fatality rate and it remains a therapeutic challenge. The marine lipid extract, EAB-277, is a natural anti-inflammatory nutraceutical product. However, the effects of EAB-277 in IMHA dogs has rarely been investigated. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical effects of EAB-277 and prednisolone dose-tapering for supplemental therapy in IMHA dogs. Prednisolone was given to 18 anemic IMHA dogs according to a standard regimen. Six dogs were supplementally treated with EAB-277 for 28 days and the remaining twelve dogs were a control group of untreated supplementations. The results demonstrate that the supplement group showed slightly better survival rates (66.7 ± 19.2%) than the control group (16.7 ± 0.7%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.408). When compared to pre-therapy, the supplement group's blood profiles improved (p < 0.05). The EAB-277 treated group showed a moderate decrease in the incidence rate (4.20 times) of prednisolone tapering compared to the control group. The dosage reduction of prednisolone in supplement group was more than that in the control group (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that EAB-277 supplementation may enhance clinical outcomes and lessen prednisolone dose-tapering in canine IMHA therapy.

The Indirect Antiglobulin (Coombs') Test Is Specific but Less Sensitive Than the Direct Antiglobulin Test for Detecting Anti-Erythrocytic Autoantibodies and Thereby Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs.

The immunodiagnostic assessment of dogs suspected of having immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is based on persistent autoagglutination of erythrocytes (after three saline washes), marked spherocytosis, and a positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs') test (DAT). However, the value of using the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) for the detection of anti-erythrocytic autoantibodies in serum from dogs suspected of having IMHA is unclear. To evaluate the IAT, leftover serum samples from a large cohort of 94 dogs suspected of having IMHA and for which DAT results were known were incubated with DAT- erythrocytes, and five IAT techniques were performed (in part with different reagents and temperatures): microtiter plate (MICRO), microcapillary, laboratory gel column, gel minitube kit (GEL KIT), and immunochromatographic strip kit. Two IAT techniques (MICRO at 37 °C and GEL KIT with rabbit anti-dog polyvalent reagent) detected autoantibodies against erythrocytes in serum from 53% and 57% of DAT+ dogs, respectively, while other IATs performed less well. Moreover, while the analytic specificity of the IAT methods compared to the DAT ranged from 96-100%, the sensitivity range was only 9-57%. Thus, we still recommend DAT for diagnosis and monitoring of IMHA in dogs but conclude that a positive IAT result may aid diagnostically when serum is available, but fresh red blood cells are not.

Investigation of Plasma Lactate Concentration in Anemic Dogs

In many clinical situations, the importance of determining plasma lactate level is emphasised, while the effect of type and severity of anemia on plasma lactate concentration is not fully known. It was aimed to evaluate the effect of anemia type and severity on plasma lactate concentrations in dogs with anemia in this study. &#x0D; A total of 48 dogs (36 anemic, 12 healthy) of different breeds, ages and sexes were included in the study. Dogs with anemia were classified according to the severity and type of anemia. Hematologic evaluations included RBC, HGB, HCT, and MCV measurements. Plasma lactate concentrations were colourimetrically tested on a point-of-care analyser. &#x0D; Plasma lactate levels were significantly (P

EFFECTS OF IMIDOPYRAN AND PREDNISONE IN THE TREATMENT OF BABESIOSIOSIS-ASSOCIATED ANEMIA IN DOGS

Aim. To investigate the development and treatment with imidopyran and prednisolone of hemolytic anemia in dogs caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia canis. Methods. 17 domestic dogs weighing 5-10 kg aged 2-5 years were used for the study. The parameters of the general blood analysis were determined using the MicroCC-20 Plus automated hematology analyzer (HTI, USA). Microscopy with a Leica DM4 electric microscope (Germany) was carried out to study the condition of erythrocytes, counting the number of leukocytes and platelets. Results. The main indicator of the development of anemia in animals is the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Development of babesiosis lead to the hemolytic anemia investigated in dogs before treatment: the number of erythrocytes lower than normal by 20-30%, the level of hemoglobin 40-55%, the average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes 10- 18%, hematocrit 20-30% and the number of platelets 40-50%. Conclusions. The results of the study showed that treatment with imidopyran and prednisolone is effective in cases of babesiosis for dogs caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia canis. Moreover, such treatment decreases the risks of the anemic state development for these animals.