Veterinary Clinical Pathology: Erythrocyte Indices

Questions and Answers

What is indicated by an increased Mean Cell Volume (MCV)?

Regenerative anemia (correct)

Iron deficiency

Chronic kidney disease

Decreased production of red blood cells

Which type of anemia is characterized by larger than normal red blood cells due to impaired red blood cell production?

Regenerative anemia

FeLV-related non-regenerative macrocytic anemia (correct)

Microcytic anemia

Normocytic anemia

What does a normal MCV indicate about red blood cells?

They are non-functional

They are of average size (correct)

They are larger than average

They are smaller than average

What does a high MCHC measurement indicate?

Higher concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of reticulocytes in the context of increased MCV?

To indicate bone marrow's response to anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can affect the normal ranges of MCV in veterinary medicine?

Specific breed of the animal Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with elevated MCHC?

Spherocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What does an increased RDW indicate?

Variation in red blood cell size Signup and view all the answers

What does the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) signify?

The average hemoglobin content in red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of anemia is characterized by low MCV?

Microcytic anemia Signup and view all the answers

How is RDW calculated?

RDW = (SDMCV ÷ MCV) × 100 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of anisocytosis?

Indicates variation in cell size Signup and view all the answers

What blood condition is suggested by an increase in reticulocyte count?

Regenerative anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which type of anemia can lead to increased RDW?

Iron-deficiency anemia Signup and view all the answers

What leads to the development of hyperchromic anemia?

RBC abnormality causing clumping Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following increases when both large and small red blood cells are present?

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is least likely to be associated with increased MCV?

Iron deficiency anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely cause of decreased MCV?

Congenital portosystemic shunts Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is correctly associated with typical MCHC measurement?

Hypochromia in regenerative anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes most significantly to higher MCV in macrocytic anemia?

Impaired DNA synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary outcome of iron deficiency anemia on red blood cell size?

Smaller red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which breed is known for familial microcytosis without anemia?

Akita Signup and view all the answers

What does a low MCHC measurement indicate?

Lower concentration of hemoglobin per red cell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is a common cause of decreased MCV?

Iron deficiency due to chronic blood loss Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mean Cell Volume (MCV)

MCV measures the average size of red blood cells, indicating types of anemia.
Normal MCV ranges:
- Canine: 64-72 fL
- Feline: 40-52 fL
- Equine: 43-55 fL
- Bovine: 38-51 fL
- Caprine: 16-22 fL

Increased MCV Causes

Myeloproliferative Disease: Rare disorder leading to abnormal blood cell proliferation in bone marrow.
Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency: Causes macrocytic anemia due to impaired DNA synthesis; relatively uncommon.
Familial Macrocytosis: Seen in poodles, resulting in larger-than-normal red blood cells.
Regenerative Anemia: Most common cause, where bone marrow increases reticulocyte production in response to anemia.
FeLV-related Non-regenerative Macrocytic Anemia: Associated with feline leukemia virus, causing larger red blood cells without increased reticulocytes.

Decreased MCV Causes

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Most frequent cause due to chronic blood loss; results in microcytic anemia as nuclear generation is delayed.
Congenital Portosystemic Shunts: Abnormal blood vessel redirects blood from the liver, impairing iron utilization and causing microcytic anemia.
Familial Microcytosis in Akitas: Genetic trait leading to smaller red blood cells without anemia.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

MCHC indicates the average hemoglobin concentration in packed red cells; low levels are termed hypochromia.
Decreased MCHC is associated with:
- Regenerative Anemias: Immature red cells contain less hemoglobin.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia.
High MCHC is termed hyperchromia, indicating increased hemoglobin concentration, which may lead to health complications like blood clots.
Spherocytosis: Rare hereditary condition causing abnormally shaped RBCs leads to increased MCHC.

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

RDW measures the variation in red cell volume and is a more sensitive indicator of altered red cell size than MCV.
Increased RDW occurs in:
- Regenerative Anemia: Presence of both large and small cells.
- Iron-deficiency Anemia: Variation in cell size indicates multiple cell populations.
RDW is calculated using the formula: RDW = (SDMCV ÷ MCV) × 100.

Anisocytosis

Refers to variation in red blood cell sizes, including macrocytes and microcytes.
Increased anisocytosis occurs with substantial populations of either smaller or larger than normal cells.

Erythrocyte Indices

Erythrocyte indices, including MCV, MCHC, and RDW, provide critical information on red blood cell size and hemoglobin content.
These indices are calculated from a complete blood count (CBC) and are essential for diagnosing and managing various types of anemia and hematological conditions.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of erythrocyte indices, crucial measurements derived from a complete blood count (CBC). Understanding these indices is essential for diagnosing and managing anemia and other hematological conditions in veterinary medicine.