It's so funny how so many things we are bothered about as humans can also affect our pets, but most times we just do not take them very seriously. I believe that, if we begin to learn about these infections, diseases, and sicknesses can also affect our pets as much as they affect us, we will be able to handle situations even better.
It is popular for us to hear about anemia in humans but what if I told you that your dear canine pet could also have anemia? The presence of anemia in your canine friend most likely indicates the presence of an underlying disease.
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Almost every living being requires iron to survive, it is important for multiple metabolic functions. Ironworks effectively to transport oxygen in hemoglobin.
When the body of the dog fails to produce sufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin, then we have a case of anemia on the other hand, anemia can also happen when the animal suffers from severe blood loss, which could be due to the presence of stomach ulcer, cancer, or the trauma from a serious injury.
Several conditions can lead to the development of anemia in your pet. When your pet has any of these conditions, cancer, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, bone marrow disease, intestinal bleeding, chronic diseases that suppress the production of red blood cells, poisons, or infectious diseases like canine distemper.
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Anemia happens in different forms as shown in dogs;
We have blood loss anemia, which can be formed when there is internal bleeding due to parasites, ulcers, cancers and other conditions.
Methemoglobinemia is a type of anemia caused by certain genetic disorders, or when there is a toxic exposure, this includes some medications as well
Aplastic or Non-regenerative anemia is caused when there is exposure to toxins, kidney disease, parvovirus, bone marrow disease, chemotherapy, and some medications.
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There is a category of anemia called Hemolytic anemia, this nature of anemia happens when there is a destruction or breakdown of red blood cells in the body of the pet.
The symptoms of anemia in dogs vary based on the type in question. The symptoms of anemia generally include; weight loss, vomiting, pale gums eyes or ears, swelling around the jaw or face, weakness, rapid breathing, black stools, and appetite loss.
Preventive measures can be taken to prevent our pup from getting anemia, toxic substances must be kept far away from pets and they should be given healthy diets always. It is also your duty as a pet owner to protect your pup from bites from fleas and ticks.
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to having anemia, the likes of Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and American Cockers fall under this category.
Treatments are dependent on the root cause of anemia, treatments can be in the form of; chemotherapy, surgery, blood transfusion, change in medications, blood transfusion, potassium phosphate supplements, intravenous fluids, and bone marrow transfusion.
Anemia in dogs shouldn't be taken with levity as it may indicate the presence of a more severe life-threatening ailment.
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