Disorder - Congenital Hypoplastic Anaemia

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative Names
Diamond Blackfan Anaemia
Primary Red Cell Anaemia
Congenital Aregenerative Anaemia
Idiopathic Erythroblastopenia
Erythrogenesis Imperfecta
Pure Red Blood Cell Aplasia

Brief Description

Congenital hypoplastic anaemia is a disorder in which immature red blood cells in the bone marrow are destroyed, resulting in a reduced number of red blood cells (anaemia). Therefore the blood is unable to carry as much oxygen as normal.

Presenting Signs

A dog suffering from this rare condition will display signs common to many types of anaemia. Some of these signs are lethargy, lack of appetite, weakness, an intolerance to exercise, decreased overall activity and pallor of the mucous membranes (the moist linings of the body such as the gums, skin between the toes and the skin of the vulva and penis). Further blood tests are needed to determine the cause of the anaemia and whether it is due to the absence of red blood cells or some other cause. These symptoms appear due to the reduced oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and the inability of the tissues to receive as much oxygen as is needed for good health.

Treatment

Surgical/Medical

PubMed References
Congenital Hypoplastic Anaemia

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
41


Contributor
Julie Borody