They Thought She Wouldn’t Make It—How One Tiny Pug Overcame Anemia in Dogs (And What You Should Know About This Condition)
A dog with serious health issues may seem like a lost cause, but sometimes all it takes is love and effort to turn things around. In California, a little black Pug arrived at the shelter in heartbreaking condition, her spirit worn down but her will to survive still remained strong. (watch the TikTok below)
Thanks to Roadogs Rescue, she defied the odds and found her way back to health. Without their intervention, this resilient pup wouldn’t be alive today.
Anemic Pug Had A Tumor
The Pug was so severely anemic from a flea infestation that she couldn’t even stand, and she had a small tumor on her side. Her condition was so dire that even the shelter staff doubted her chances of survival.
@roadogsrescue Name suggestions needed for this adorable pug girl we saved! The shelter @Inland Valley Humane Society said she couldn’t stand when she first arrived because she was so anemic from fleas. But thanks to their care, she pulled through. Thank you for supporting Roadogs ❤️ #puglife #pugsoftiktok #puglover ♬ Scott Street (Slowed Down) – Phoebe Bridgers
However, with the support of the Inland Valley Humane Society, Roadogs were able to help her get the medical care she needed. As a result, the dog is now alive and kicking, having recovered from all her health challenges.
Roadogs Rescue has transformed this black Pug’s life as she now hopes for a future filled with love and care. But the rescue needs help from you to continue making significant breakthroughs in the lives of medical dogs. Visit this link to donate and help cover medical and other essential costs for dogs in need.
Anemia in Dogs
Understanding Anemia in Dogs: A Hidden Threat
Anemia in dogs isn’t a disease in itself; it’s a silent warning signal that something more serious could be happening within your pet’s body. When Dr. Lauren James encountered a lethargic Golden Retriever named Max in her practice, she quickly identified telltale signs: pale gums and a sluggish pulse. These symptoms led her to suspect anemia, a condition that reduces red blood cell (RBC) count and hampers oxygen flow to tissues, leaving dogs weak and vulnerable.
Veterinarians at VCA Animal Hospitals define anemia as a reduced number of circulating red blood cells or hemoglobin, crucial for oxygen transport. In dogs, RBCs originate in the bone marrow, then circulate in the bloodstream for about three months. As they age, they’re replaced with fresh cells. But when this delicate cycle is disrupted, anemia can emerge. Anemia can stem from three main issues: the decreased production of RBCs, excessive destruction of cells, or chronic blood loss.
Dr. James explains that anemia manifests in two types, each with unique challenges. Regenerative anemia is when the bone marrow detects the deficiency and ramps up RBC production in response. However, with nonregenerative anemia, the bone marrow falters, unable to produce the necessary RBCs. This failure often points to serious health issues such as kidney disease or bone marrow disorders.
Symptoms of Anemia in Dogs
When anemia strikes suddenly, it’s considered acute—and it can be life-threatening. Dr. Steven Marks recalls a case where a German Shepherd came in after a run-in with a sharp object. The dog was in shock, having lost a substantial amount of blood internally. This kind of acute anemia can cause rapid heart rate, pale gums, and dangerously low blood pressure, sometimes signaling life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding from ruptured tumors or severe injuries.
Chronic anemia, in contrast, is a slow burn. Dogs with chronic anemia may show subtle symptoms that owners might overlook: gradual lethargy, loss of appetite, and sometimes jaundice, a yellowish tint in the eyes and gums. Over time, their bodies try to adapt, but signs like an enlarged spleen, heart murmurs, and persistent weakness often alert vets to the underlying struggle. For pets with chronic anemia, managing the root cause is essential to prevent further RBC loss.
Anemia can mask itself as mild fatigue or occasional paleness, making regular vet check-ups vital. “It’s one of those conditions where early detection makes all the difference,” Dr. James emphasizes. With timely diagnosis and treatment, dogs can often return to their playful selves, but when overlooked, anemia can silently take a toll on their quality of life.
Causes of Anemia in Dogs
Anemia in dogs can result from various underlying diseases. For instance, a dog parent on Reddit, u/jengricas, shared that his dog was diagnosed with “severe anemia due to kidney failure.” Let’s take a look at various diseases that can lead to anemia:
1. Diseases Causing Blood Loss Anemia
These conditions lead to excessive bleeding, reducing number of red blood cells:
- Trauma or injury to blood vessels or internal organs
- Heavy infestations of blood-sucking parasites (fleas, ticks, hookworms)
- Bleeding tumors (benign or malignant) in the intestinal tract, kidneys, urinary bladder, and spleen
- Coagulopathies (bleeding disorders)
2. Diseases Causing Hemolysis Anemia (Destruction of Red Blood Cells)
The given conditions lead to the premature breakdown of red blood cells:
- Autoimmune diseases, especially immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs (IMHA or AIHA)
- Blood parasites (Babesia)
- Toxins and chemicals like zinc, rat poisons, onions, and garlic
- Cancer
- Mechanical fragmentation like heartworm disease, splenic torsion, and heart disease
3. Diseases Causing Bone Marrow Suppression Anemia
The following conditions impair the production of red blood cells:
- Severe or chronic diseases like Ehrlichia, chronic kidney disease, and chronic liver disease
- Poor nutrition or nutritional imbalances
- Autoimmune diseases
- Hypothyroidism
- Toxins and chemicals:
- Estrogen-based drugs
- Lead
- Certain chemotherapy drugs
- Rarely, antibiotics (chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine)
- Cancer
Identifying the underlying cause of anemia is crucial for effective treatment and management. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is showing signs of anemia.
Diagnosing Anemia in Dogs
Veterinarians use a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests to confirm anemia in dogs.
The diagnostic process for anemia in dogs starts with a physical examination and review of medical history. Veterinarians look for signs like pale gums, bruising, and abdominal tumors, and consider chronic illnesses or recent traumas that may have contributed to anemia’s development. This initial assessment provides valuable insights into potential underlying causes.
Once the initial assessment is complete, veterinarians utilize various diagnostic tests to confirm anemia and determine its underlying cause. These tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Blood test evaluating multiple RBC factors, guiding treatment planning.
- PCV/TS (Packed Cell Volume/Total Solids): Quickly assesses RBC levels.
- Reticulocyte Count: Identifies regenerative response through increased young RBCs.
- Biochemistry and Urinalysis: Assesses organ function and underlying causes.
- Slide Agglutination Test: Detects abnormal RBC clumping in Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA).
- Cytology/Blood Smear: Microscopic evaluation of RBCs for cause and bone marrow response.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: Examines bone marrow for cancer, regeneration, or infections.
To determine the underlying cause of anemia, additional testing may be required. This includes imaging studies (radiographs/ultrasound) to detect bleeding tumors, serology tests for infectious agents, fecal tests for gastrointestinal parasites, coagulation profiles for bleeding disorders, and endocrine testing for hormonal imbalances.
Organ function tests monitor kidney and liver function, while biopsies examine tissue samples for cancer diagnosis. These supplementary tests help veterinarians identify the root cause of anemia, enabling targeted treatment and effective management.
Treatment of Canine Anemia
The primary objective in managing canine anemia is to address the underlying cause. Treatment strategies vary depending on the disease’s chronicity, severity, and underlying cause.
Surgical interventions are necessary in cases where bleeding masses or traumatic wounds are present. Surgery helps remove the source of bleeding, stabilizing the dog’s condition. Certain procedures may include removing bleeding masses or repairing traumatic wounds.
In addition, pharmacological therapies target specific underlying causes. The vet can prescribe Vitamin K to counteract rodenticide poisoning, antiparasitics to eliminate internal parasites, and antibiotics to combat tick-borne or infectious agents. Additionally, steroids and immunosuppressants are utilized to manage autoimmune diseases that contribute to anemia, helping to regulate the immune system’s response and alleviate symptoms.
For severe cases of anemia, transfusion therapy is necessary. Blood products such as whole blood packed red blood cells, and plasma help replenish vital components.
A Reddit user, u/MangoRiviera, describes the treatment given to their senior black Lab having nonregenerative anemia, “My vet is giving him an emergency blood transfusion tomorrow, he has given him some medication: antibiotics in case it is an infection/parasite and steroid ‘Prednisolone’ in case it is his immune system attacking itself.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to treat anemia in dogs at home?
If you want to treat anemia in dogs naturally, you should know that anemia cannot be fully treated without treating the underlying causes. But you can add iron-rich foods to your dog’s diet to support the treatment and boost the recovery. According to Friendly Animal Clinic, consider adding canned sardines, raw organic egg yolks, green vegetables, and beef liver to their regular meals. Additionally, Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; consult with your veterinarian for the optimal dosage (500-2000mg/day, depending on size).
What kind of cancer causes anemia in dogs?
As per BetterVet, anemia in dogs can be triggered by various types of cancer, including leukemia, as well as cancers affecting the spleen, liver, and kidneys.
What is autoimmune hemolytic anemia in dogs?
Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs occurs when their immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red blood cells. This can be triggered by tumors, infections, medications, or vaccinations. Symptoms include jaundice, fever, and an enlarged spleen, with varying severity from mild to sudden crisis.
Is anemia life-threatening for dogs?
Rapid loss of more than a third of blood volume can lead to sudden anemia, causing severe shock and potentially fatal consequences if prompt replacement of blood or fluids is not administered.
