VCP 411: Medicine Section

RBC COUNT

• Units millions/liter of 7.3 x 10.12 liter.
• Low values indicate anemia 910 6ul.
• High values – dehydration millions/cmm.

Causes of increases RBC:

• Dehydration
• Fear/excitation – produces splenic contraction, forcing RBC into the circulation.
• Shock-splenic contraction and shift of fluid to the visceral organs.
• Severe exertion.
• Steroids (50% increase in Grey hounds)
• Error – evaporation from the blood particularly in warm surroundings.

Causes of decreased RBC:

• Anemia.
• Late pregnancy – reaches its lowest level at the time of birth.
• Tranquilization and sedation by transferring RBC-s from the circulation to the spleen.
• Hemolysis – possible errors
• Total erythrocyte count (RBC).
• Anemia – seldom a primary condition most often it is associated with disease condition. Often an enigma to the practicing veterinarian.
• Treatment without understanding the cause of the condition is often unsuccessful.