Nonregenerative Anemias Overview

Study Notes

Nonregenerative anemias lack the body's ability to produce new red blood cells (RBC), often evident through reticulocytosis.
They can exhibit various RBC morphologies, but typically show normocytic, normochromic characteristics.

Anemia of chronic disease:
- Most prevalent form of nonregenerative anemia, typically mild to moderate in severity.
- Clinical signs relate to the underlying primary disease, with a development period of 1-2 weeks.
Renal failure:
- Can cause mild to severe anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production and reduced RBC lifespan.
Endocrine diseases:
- Conditions such as hypothyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, and estrogen influence RBC production.
Nutritional deficiencies:
- Involves iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies, often leading to normocytic, normochromic anemias.
Infections:
- Diseases like Ehrlichiosis, FIV, and FeLV are associated with nonregenerative anemia.
Toxins and Drugs:
- Certain toxic substances and medications contribute to nonregenerative anemia.

Characterized by the immune system attacking RBC precursors, resulting in severe anemia.
Approximately 50% of cases may show a positive Coomb's test.
Diagnosis involves bone marrow evaluation revealing either a lack of erythroid precursors or maturation arrest.

Represents bone marrow failure affecting all blood cell lines, leading to pancytopenia.
Common causes include infections (like FeLV and ehrlichiosis), drug reactions, and hormonal influences (e.g., estrogens).
Diagnosis requires bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.

Involves abnormal development of hematopoietic cell lines; can precede hematopoietic neoplasia.
May arise secondary to other diseases, particularly in cases of FeLV in cats or immune-mediated disorders.

Various infectious agents including Ehrlichia, FeLV (potentially in conjunction with mycoplasma hemofelis), fungi, and septicemia can lead to nonregenerative anemia.

Marrow disease characterized by neoplasia (e.g., leukemias, multiple myeloma, malignant histiocytosis) or myelofibrosis, which leads to excessive fibroblast activity in the marrow.
Myelofibrosis can be idiopathic or secondary to injury, potentially resulting in marrow necrosis.

Milo is a 5-year-old male castrated mixed breed dog showing decreased activity levels over the past month.
Symptoms may indicate underlying health issues potentially linked to nonregenerative anemia.

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