Anaemia

Question 1

General pathophysiology

Answer 1

Condition resulting from reduction of RBC
Results in lack of O2 to organs and tissues
- decreased function
- eventually organ failure

Question 2

General aetiology of anaemia

Answer 2

Due to increased loss or reduced production
Usually secondary to another condition causing
- haemorrhage
- haemolysis
- suppression of production

Question 4

Pathophysiology of regenerative anaemia

Answer 4

Increased loss of RBC due to haemorrhage or haemolysis

Marrow continues to replace loss

Question 5

aetiology is regenerative anaemia (3)

Answer 5

Acute/chronic haemorrhage
Bleeding disorders
Haemolysis

Question 6

Causes of haemolysis (3)

Answer 6

Infectious disease
Poisoning/drug toxicity
Neoplasia

Question 7

Pathophysiology of non-regenerative anaemia

Answer 7

Marrow fails to replace RBC lost naturally or abnormally

Question 8

Why is non-regenerative more common in cats

Answer 8

Often a complication of CRF

- decreased erythropoietin production

Question 9

Aetiology of non-regenerative anaemia (2)

Answer 9

Usually secondary to other conditions

May be caused by toxin/drug

Question 10

Pathophysiology of primary IMHA

Answer 10

Immune system produces antibodies to antigens of RBC triggering their destruction
RBC continue to be produced

Question 11

Pathophysiology of secondary IMHA

Answer 11

RBC are modified
Recognised as foreign and destroyed
Continual production

Question 12

Aetiology of primary IMHA (1)

Answer 12

Usually idiopathic

Question 13

Aetiology of secondary IMHA (6)

Answer 13

Incompatible blood transfusion 
Cancer
Infection
Blood parasite
Drug reaction
Chemical exposure

Question 14

Clinical signs of anaemia (8)

Answer 14

Pale MMs w/normal CRT
Weakness/lethargy
Syncope
Petechiation
Tachycardia
Murmur 
Dyspnoea
Jaundice

Question 15

Diagnosis of anaemia - non-specific (7)

Answer 15

Hx/cs/exam
PCV
Blood smear
- reticulocytes 
Total RBC count
- assess response to lack
Biochem and SG for CRF
Faecal analysis 
- occult blood/parasites 
MCV/MCHC

Question 16

Infectious diseases which should be tested for (3)

Answer 16

FIV
FeLV
FIA

Question 17

Specific test for non-generative

Answer 17

Bone marrow biopsy

Question 18

Specific test for IMHA

Answer 18

Coombe’s rest

Question 19

Conditions which non-regenerative is secondary to (6)

Answer 19

Renal failure
FIV
Neoplasia
Hypothyroidism
Radiation
Malnutrition