Hematology: Erythrocyte Abnormalities Flashcards
What is anemia?
condition characterized by decreased RBC number or decreased PCV or decreased hemoglobin
What are the signs and symptoms of anemia?
- body can’t function properly with low O2
- decreased exercise tolerance
- lethargy
- depression
- pale mucous membranes
- increased heart rate
- respiration rates increase
Where does the blood go during anemia?
blood goes from the surface to deep organs such as the brain and heart
Why is it important to properly identify an anemia?
so you can treat it properly
How are anemias evaluated and classified?
- RBC morphology
- disease symptoms
- bone marrow response
What are the mathematical computations that help classification?
indices
What is MCV?
cell size
- cytic
- macrocytic
- microcytic
- normocytic
What is MCHC?
stain intensity or color
- chromo
- normochromic
- hypochromic
What is MCH?
- no practical value
- lab quality control
What can’t indices tell you?
disease process in anemias
How is morphologic classification confirmed?
microscopic examination during the differential
How is morphological classification helpful?
limits the possible causes and forms foundation for consideration and selection of treatment
What are anemias separated into?
- regenerative
2. non-regenerative
What are the different anemias based off of?
based on bone marrow response
What is regenerative anemia?
erythropoiesis is taking place and bone marrow is responding to anemia
What does increased erythropoiesis lead to?
increased immature RBC in circulation
How is a regenerative anemia characterized?
- reticulocytosis and increased polychromasia
- anisocytosis and erythroid hyperplasia in the bone marrow
Ability for bone marrow to respond indicates cause is either _____ or ______ .
- hemorrhagic
2. hemolysis
How many days does it take for a regenerative response to be seen in the blood stream?
2-5 days
What is non-regenerative anemia?
the body does not respond to the anemia
- bone marrow is unable to respond
Is polychomasia and reticulocytosis present in non-regenerative anemia?
no, it is absent
The cause of non-regenerative anemia could be what?
- a bone marrow disorder
- decreased erythropoietin
- ineffective RBC production
What is the most common cause of non-regenerative anemia in cats?
FeLV
Nucleated RBC do not give indication of regenerative response if there is no what?
reticulocytosis
What could be the cause of a bone marrow disease?
- FIV
- cancer
- viral infection
What are the different types of anemia?
- Hemorrhagic
- Iron deficiency
- Vitamin B 12 or folic acid deficiency
- Aplastic anemia
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
What is hemorrhagic anemia?
Results from loss of substantial quantities of blood and decreases red blood cell numbers
How long does it take someone to recover from hemorrhagic anemia?
May take 1-2 weeks to recover by erythropoiesis
During hemorrhagic anemia recovery what can the cells look like?
Macro (big)
Hypo (color)
When are macrocytic and hypochromic cells seen during hemorrhagic anemia?
Transitory condition indicating remission
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Excessive loss, deficient intake, or poor absorption of iron
What do red blood cells look like during iron deficiency anemia?
Microcytic
Hypochromic
What happens to red blood cells that are iron deficient?
Contain less hemoglobin
What are the early signs of iron deficiency?
Microcytic
Normochromic
- normal in Akitas
What is vitamin B 12 or folic acid deficiency anemia?
Inability to absorb adequate amounts of vitamin B 12
How does a vitamin B 12 or folic acid deficiency affect red blood cell production?
- Produces small numbers of red blood cells
- larger than normal and more fragile
- erythropoiesis disrupted