Anemia in Pets
and examine their gums. If you survive this without being bitten or scratched, ask yourself if the gums and mucous membranes appear pale or even white. In some cases, a pet’s ears and eyes may look pale also. This is a sign that not enough oxygen carrying blood cells are reaching these vital tissues—Bosco or Fluffy might be anemic. Some pets will develop jaundice due to anemia and have a yellow or brown tinge in their eyes, gums and skin. We have all seen news footage of well-meaning pet rescuers with scads of animals in their homes after a neighbor finally calls PETA and reports them. Sometimes, these very animals end up in on television programs and commercials as prime examples of neglected pets. The vacant stare and droopy head in these puppies and kittens can indicate that the animal’s general health has been compromised by blood-loving parasites like fleas, ticks or hookworms to the point that they are anemic. Anemia is always a symptom of an underlying problem. Other causes of anemia are injuries that cause blood loss, tumors, and diseases which slow normal blood clotting (more common as Bosco and Fluffy age). Your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart rate. If his ears perk-up after he pulls the stethoscope away (your vet’s ears, not your pet’s ears), he will probably ask you if he can run a CBC or blood cell count to determine if your pet is clinically anemic. Bosco’s or Fluffy’s blood might be thinner due to the loss of red blood cells. Your pet’s heart rate might have also increased to compensate for the decrease in red blood cells. A heart murmur or swishing sound can sometimes be heard as the thinner blood is pumped through the heart. If your pet has also stopped eating and grooming itself, the vet definitely needs to investigate the possibility of anemia. Anemic pets may also have difficulty breathing. Toxins like aspirin, acetaminophen, onions and garlic (cooked or raw) can cause anemia. Hamburgers and onion rings are people food, no matter how much Bosco loves your double cheeseburger--don’t share. Sulfur compounds in garlic and onions cause red blood cells to rupture, resulting in Heinz Body Hemolytic Anemia. And even though Bosco and Fluffy are your babies, never give them Children’s Tylenol or any product containing acetaminophen. Always consult with your vet before giving medications like aspirin to a pet. In Fluffy’s case, feline leukemia might be the cause. But if Fluffy has had the vaccine, your veterinarian might explore feline immunodeficiency virus, and blood parasites such as Haemobartonella and Babesia as the cause. Bosco, however, may have inherited a genetic tendency for hemolytic anemia. If Bosco did inherit it, he will usually develop symptoms early life. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is more common in Cocker Spaniels, Old English Sheepdogs, Poodles and Irish Setters. Specifically, Pyruvate Kinase deficiency, an autosomal recessive form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in Basenjis and Beagles can be fatal. Liver disease also known as hepatobiliary disease may cause gastrointestinal bleeding, sometimes evidenced by blood in the animal’s stool or urine, resulting in anemia. Cancer and kidney failure can also cause your pet to become anemic. If Fluffy or Bosco became ill gradually, their chance of recovery is excellent. Unfortunately, if your pet becomes anemic suddenly, their body may not be able to compensate for the sudden loss in oxygen and red blood cells. The faster treatment is initiated, the more likely Bosco or Fluffy are to recover.
Natural treatments such herbal remedies have also proven to be highly effective in providing symptomatic relief for anemia. Herbal remedies are safe and gentle enough to use while at the same time addresses overall health and wellbeing of the animal. A selection of herbal ingredients such as Taraxacum officinalis(Dandelion), Echinacea purpurea, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Sylibum marianus (Milk Thistle) supports healthy immune functioning and hemoglobin levels, and helps to cleanse and purify the body’s system. It is also an excellent tonic for the lymphatic system and promotes vitality and balance.
researcher Sheli Ellsworth
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