SYMPTOMS.

The symptoms of anaemia consist of weakness, tiredness or apathy and loss of appetite and staring coat. The animal's gums and inside the eyelids may be pale and if pregnant, premature births and deformities are possible. The pulse may be rapid. The animal may appear less responsive due to throbbing in the ears; there may be nausea, dizziness, lassitude, and shortness of breath. There can be signs of photophobia (reaction to bright light). Long term anaemia may cause enlargement of the heart, which can result in death.
 
 

CAUSES.

Anaemia is caused by a number of things. Chronic or acute blood loss, due to trauma, tumours, or even internal or external parasites, particularly heavy infestation with hookworm can cause it. There is increased destruction of red blood cells and reduced production of red cells. This is often caused by stress but can also be caused by otherwise innocent medications eg. zinc cream and calamine lotion if ingested cause anaemia in dogs. Cancer can cause  reduced production of red cells. The body makes more red blood cells than white cells, which means there is an imbalance between the red and white blood cells.

CONSEQUENCES.

Anaemia destroys bone marrow and cells of all types; healthy cells rapidly disappear from the blood stream until a small percentage is left. Consequences therefore are, lowered immunity to infection, both viral and bacteriological, liver disease, and kidney disease. All anaemias are always characterised by general weakness and tiredness.

SOLUTION AND MANAGEMENT.

The solution and management of Anaemia consist of tracing the cause, stopping internal bleeding and destruction of red cells and if necessary, blood transfusion to restore the lost blood. If toxins are in the bloodstream or if infection has occurred blood transfusion may also be necessary. The use of drugs, tablets and other types of therapy may help the sufferer. In 1906 it was discovered that injections of Vitamin B2 and liver extract could be given to humans, but had to be continued throughout the patient's life as these injections were not a cure. This is probably not an option for animals, who initially would be treated via dietary changes and or supplements and perhaps iron medication. The vet usually carries out testing for worms if there is no obvious sign of trauma and x-rays do not reveal any foreign body in the gut to account for the condition.
 

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