Nonregenerative anemia

[Jen]

Hi. Maggie had a blood count yesterday and while her RBC seems to be relatively stable – 36 last Tuesday and 35 this Tuesday, they don’t think she is generating new RBC’s. What does this mean? She has been on treatment 18 days. Does this mean her body won’t or can’t make new RBC’s? If that is the case, will she need a transfusion everytime they old cells die?
Her vet does not have her on meds to generate RBC’s b/c he said if she builds up antibodies to them then she’ll have to rely on transfusions.

[Vally]

Jen, whilst Maggie’s blood is in the normal range, and 35 and 36 are the bottom end of normal, her body won’t make new red blood, it’s not supposed to. It’s all a balancing act. The rate of blood cell production is determined by the body’s needs. As her blood count drops down for whatever reason, old red cells die, or with destruction of red blood cells or loss of blood somewhere, the body is supposed to switch on and start making them. Whilst it stays in the normal range, it is not supposed to start making new red blood.

So the fact that she’s holding (and the 1 point drop is truly nothing – this can be dependent on how hydrated she is) and has been steady for 1 week, too me is a great sign.

When does she get checked again?

Love Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Hi Jen

Sorry I haven’t been around for a few days, so I’m playing catch up! I’m really happy to hear Maggie is holding her own – very good news. If you have any blood tests to look at, let us know if there is a figure for reticulocytes on there. Vally is absolutely right – when there PCV goes over the 25ish mark, the production of new red cells slows down. If you want to send us any blood tests you have via the urgent advice page, no problem, or e-mail them to one of us.

I think I’m right in saying you’ve been in contact Dr Dodds? Her knowledge is amazing & she will help you through this. 18 days is not very long on the meds – I wish the drugs worked immediately, but I’m afraid they do take time! Maggie is stable on the PCV front – that is a real comfort, Jen. I know how worrying this is, but we are all here to help & support you in any way we can. This roller coaster ride is no fun & we are all thinking of you.

Sending you & Maggie big hugs
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxx

[Jen]

Thank you for the support. I am still waiting for copies of all her medical records (they had issue with printer last time I was there) so I have been waiting to get the reports before contacting Dr. Dodds. While they have not verbally told me any reticulocytes numbers, they said based on how her blood looks it doesn’t appear she has the premature RBC’s. I appreciate the advice and support!
Staying hopeful!

[Joe]

Vally & Sheena are so rith. As I told Lucy’s mom, Dunes had a PCV of 7 when I first took her in. The higher the PCV the less red baby red blood cells. I hope this stays stable. I rejoiced when the PCV was 36. 1 point is truly nothing.

Just stay vigilant. God bless.

Joe

[Joe]

P.S. Dr. Dodds told me no transfusions till it gets to 15.