Changes

====Haematology====

====Haematology====

Affected animals have a reduced [[Packed Cell Volume|packed cell volume]] (PCV) or haematocrit (HCT) and often a reduced haemoglobin concentration.  IMHA causes a strongly [[Regenerative and Non-Regenerative Anaemias|regenerative anaemia]] and evidence of macrocytosis (increased MCV) should be apparent after 48-72 hours in dogs. A blood smear is extremely useful in evaluating cases of IMHA as '''spherocytes''' [http://www.medvet.umontreal.ca/clinpath/banq-im/hematology/SpherocytesE.htm Spherocytes]are often visible. These small, dense red blood cells are formed due to partial phagocytosis of red blood cells by the MPS. Polychromasia should also be visible on a blood smear from an animal undergoing regeneration and reticulocytosis can be confirmed using a supravital stain such as new methylene blue.

Affected animals have a reduced [[Packed Cell Volume|packed cell volume]] (PCV) or haematocrit (HCT) and often a reduced haemoglobin concentration.  IMHA causes a strongly [[Regenerative and Non-Regenerative Anaemias|regenerative anaemia]] and evidence of macrocytosis (increased MCV) should be apparent after 48-72 hours in dogs. A blood smear is extremely useful in evaluating cases of IMHA as [http://www.medvet.umontreal.ca/clinpath/banq-im/hematology/SpherocytesE.htm spherocytes]are often visible. These small, dense red blood cells are formed due to partial phagocytosis of red blood cells by the MPS. Polychromasia should also be visible on a blood smear from an animal undergoing regeneration and reticulocytosis can be confirmed using a supravital stain such as new methylene blue.

Reactive [[Platelet Abnormalities|thrombocytosis]] and leucocytosis may be present with any cause of anaemia.

Reactive [[Platelet Abnormalities|thrombocytosis]] and leucocytosis may be present with any cause of anaemia.