Idiopathic pure red cell aplasia and nonregenerative immune-mediated anemia in dogs: 43 cases (1988-1999).
OBJECTIVE
To examine clinical features, laboratory test results, treatment, and outcome of dogs with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and idiopathic nonregenerative immune-mediated anemia (NRIMA).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
43 dogs with severe nonregenerative anemia.


METHODS
Medical records of dogs determined to have PRCA, NRIMA, or ineffective erythropoiesis on the basis of bone marrow analysis between 1988 and 1999 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion were > or = 5-day history of severe nonregenerative anemia (Hct < 20%; < 60.0 x 10(3) reticulocytes/microliter) with no underlying diseases. Information was retrieved on signalment, clinical signs, laboratory test results, treatment, and outcome.


RESULTS
Median age of the dogs was 6.5 years. Spayed females and Labrador Retrievers were significantly overrepresented. Median Hct was 11% with no evidence of regeneration (median, 1.5 x 10(3) reticulocytes/microliter). Direct Coombs' test results were positive in 57% of dogs. Biochemical abnormalities included hyperferremia and high percentage saturation of transferrin. Bone marrow findings ranged from PRCA (5%) to erythroid hyperplasia (55%). Myelofibrosis was common. Dogs were treated with immunosuppressive drugs and the response was complete, partial, and poor in 55, 18, and 27% of the dogs, respectively. Mortality rate was 28%.


CONCLUSIONS
An immune-mediated pathogenesis should be considered in dogs with severe, nonregenerative anemia, normal WBC and platelet counts, hyperferremia, mild clinical signs, and no evidence of underlying disease. Bone marrow findings range from the rare PRCA to erythroid hyperplasia. Myelofibrosis is often detected in affected dogs and may prevent bone marrow aspiration.
Stokol
T
T
Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401, USA.
Blue
J T
JT
French
T W
TW
D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000662:veterinary; D001772:Blood Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000473:pathology; D003298:Coombs Test / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007501:Iron