What diseases of dogs prevent red blood cell production through bone marrow suppression?
The main causes of bone marrow suppression that result in decreased red blood cell production include: A. Any severe, chronic disease B. Very poor nutrition or nutritional imbalances C. Autoimmune disease D. Hypothyroidism E. Chemicals or toxins F. Neoplasia (cancer) There has been no mention of iron deficiency. Why not? Iron deficiency anemia is a common disease in people, especially women. However, this is not common in dogs and is usually secondary to some form of chronic blood loss. It is occasionally seen in puppies that have severe hookworm infections or that are being fed very poor diets. How are anemic dogs treated? If your dog’s anemia is so severe that it is life-threatening, a blood transfusion will be needed. This may be performed immediately after a blood sample is taken for diagnostic testing purposes. The main purpose of a blood transfusion is to stabilize the dog long enough that a determination of the cause of the anemia can be made. Further treatment will be determine
