Disorder - Elliptocytosis

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative Names
Hereditary elliptocytosis

Brief Description

A condition that affects the outer layer of red blood cells causing the cells to be misshapen.

Presenting Signs

A blood test will show that many of the red blood cells of these dogs are considerably misshapen. The red blood cells appear oval-shaped compared to a normal round shape, with many also having serrated borders. Affected dogs will have a mild anaemia, i.e. a deficiency of red blood cells, as the abnormally shaped cells are broken down more quickly than normal by the body. Externally and more obviously, a dog suffering from the disorder may appear quite small for its age and may not grow to the expected size for its breed. More severe symptoms, however, are usually not seen.

Related Disorders

Haemolytic Anemia
Increased Osmotic Fragility
Congenital Elliptocytosis

PubMed References
Elliptocytosis

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
1318


Contributor
Penelope Kingston