title: Reticulocytosis in nonanemic dogs: increasing prevalence and potential etiologies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  An increasing prevalence of reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia (RAA) in dogs has been suspected in recent years.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objectives were to determine whether prevalence of RAA in our canine population has been increasing over the last years, and to identify potential predisposing factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  The annual prevalence of RAA in adult dogs was determined between 2000 and 2012. Clinical histories and CBC data were analyzed for all dogs, as well as owner response to a questionnaire including information on nutrition and supplements was conducted for dogs with RAA identified between 2011 and 2012. In addition, serum iron concentration (Fe), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and percent transferrin saturation (%TS) were determined in 14 dogs with RAA and compared with 8 healthy control dogs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia was identified in 1035 dogs, with the prevalence increasing since 2006. Dogs with RAA evaluated after 2006 (n = 853) had significantly lower MCV and were more likely to have microcytosis than those prior to 2006 (n = 182). Increased incidence of osteoarthritis was observed in dogs evaluated after 2006, including the dogs studied between 2011 and 2012 (n = 31), and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine was more common in the latter. Significantly lower mean Fe and %TS, and higher TIBC were found in dogs with RAA compared to unaffected dogs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prevalence of RAA has increased in recent years in our canine population. More ubiquitous use of anti-inflammatory medications and nutraceuticals, associated with increased diagnosis of osteoarthritis should be considered as contributing factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
authors.forename: Kimberly M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Pattullo
authors.forename: Beverly A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Kidney
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Marion L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Jackson
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications*; D015995:Prevalence; D045262:Reticulocytosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007501:Iron
keywords: Canine; erythropoiesis; iron deficiency; osteoarthritis; risk factors