Common Blood Disorders in Dogs

Dog blood disorders can be inherited or acquired due to various health factors like viruses, tumors, or bacterial infections.

Similar to humans, canine blood contains components such as blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Any deficiency or abnormality in these parts can lead to severe health issues, sometimes life-threatening.

Here are some prevalent canine blood conditions to be aware of:

Anemia
A widespread disorder, anemia happens when blood circulation decreases across the body. It can stem from parasitic infestations or excessive bleeding. Anemia is classified into regenerative and non-regenerative types. Regenerative anemia results from significant blood loss, treatable with medication or transfusion. Non-regenerative anemia involves permanent blood cell damage, often linked to cancer or marrow issues, and can be costly to manage.

Coagulation Problems
These issues are common in puppies and involve deficiencies in clotting factors, leading to excessive bleeding or death soon after birth. Factors like viral infections, bacteria, heatstroke, or tumors can also cause vascular coagulation disorders.

Platelet Deficiency
Known as canine thrombocytopenia, this condition involves the insufficient production of platelets, often caused by Ehrlichia canis (tick-borne infection) or medication side effects like sulfonamides or estrogen.

Leukopenia
This is characterized by an elevated white blood cell count, usually due to viral or bacterial infections. Conversely, leukocytopenia involves a drastic decrease in WBC, also linked to infections.

If you notice symptoms like unexplained bleeding, pale gums, weakness, or blood in stool, consult a veterinarian immediately. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for canine health.