www.HorseAdvice.com
Better information makes for healthier horses,
Horseadvice.com is where equine science and horse sense intersect.
MEMBERS: you have not been authenticated, log in at the top of the page. Tired of Logging-In? As you log-in edit your profile so the site remembers you!

The Diagnosis of Anemia in Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Equine Red Blood Cell Physiology » Clinical Signs » Diagnosis » Emergency Treatment » More Info 

Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen to the cells of our horses bodies. For optimum health and performance the mass of red blood cells must be also optimized. We measure red blood cell mass by taking a whole blood sample placing a small amount in a long thin tube and centrifuging it until all the cells are squeezed to one side. Then the column of red blood cells is compared to the total column of cells and fluid. The ratio of cell column over the total column is called the packed cell volume (PCV) or hematocrit (Hct).

Anemia is a frequently diagnosed disease in horses however there are some unique features of equine physiology that complicate the accurate diagnosis of anemia. Further complicating correct diagnosis is that there are significant differences in the normal hematocrit of different breeds of horses. The result is anemia is over diagnosed, even by equine veterinarians. Caution should be applied to the diagnosis of anemia in an otherwise healthy horse.

Besides anemia as a cause of serious of decreased performance, there are serious and life threatening diseases where anemia is the main cause of disease symptoms. This article discusses the clinical signs, accurate diagnosis of anemia, and the causes in horses. Links are provided to articles on the specific causes where further treatment is discussed.
      ~Word Count: 1516 words (The average magazine page contains about 600 words);
      ~Last Updated: May 28, 2008;

How to Access this Article and Much More!

You have just read the introduction to one of our nearly 800 articles on horse care, diseases, and training. It includes a description of the contents of the unabridged version. As a guest you can access this article two different ways, either purchase the article or become a member and take advantage of all the benefits Horseadvice.com has to offer:

ARTICLE PURCHASE: for $7.00 USD you get instant access to the unabridged article. We guarantee your satisfaction or we will refund the purchase price:

JOIN HORSEADVICE: get instant access to this article and all we have to offer! Joining gives you 3 months access and the membership is renewed at this discounted rate. Review us for 7 days and if you are not satisfied, we will gladly refund your money and you may easily cancel at anytime.

Check out our Membership Drive Discount below but hurry this is only for a limited time and joining will never be cheaper! To get your discount on a Full Service or Full Access Membership use the following coupon code during check out:
Coupon code: MEMDRV
Choose Your Membership Level
Full Service Membership (with posting)
With coupon code: $19.94
$29.94
Full Access Membership (without posting)
With coupon code: $9.94
$19.94
Full Access, No Renewal (without posting) $29.94
128 bit SSL encryption We use 128 bit SSL encryption, so your order is completely secure.
BBB Reliability Seal Your assurance of excellent customer service.
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime. So that you know your online experience is safe.

Join Us at Horseadvice.com:

  • If you want accurate up-to-date information, 24 hours a day, reviewed by an equine veterinarian and horseman.
  • If you are tired of searching long lists of fluffy material that don‘t answer your questions.
  • If you want to discuss it now, with a experienced qualified expert and get input from over 3000 experienced horsemen.

Discussions on The Diagnosis of Anemia

Subtopics Posts Updated
iconBlood groupAug 12, 08
iconPancytopeniaJun 6, 08
iconStill need Iron Supplement?May 20, 08
iconUnderstanding bloodwork Dec 11, 07
iconResearch Summary: Blood Transfusions CasesSep 7, 07
iconAnother anemic horseJun 13, 07
iconAnemia & high white blood cell countMar 28, 06
iconIron overload?/20 Jan 18, 06
iconUpdate to The Diagnosis of Anemia in Horses Oct 29, 04
iconCould Acetazolamide cause Anemia?Jun 23, 04
iconAnemia in an old ponyMar 11, 04
iconAnemia and acorns?Oct 22, 01
iconAnemia? I need your opinion on blood counts12 Sep 24, 02
iconWhat can possibly be causing this anemia??11 Jul 23, 01
iconFor 16 Months I'm Told My Filly Has AnemiaJan 24, 00
iconBlood TestFeb 4, 00
Start a New Discussion
Home Page | Todays Discussions | Search | Top of Page Program Credits | Administration
  www.horseadvice.com
is The Horseman's Advisor
Helping Thousands of Equestrians, Farriers, and Veterinarians Every Day
All rights reserved, © 2008
BBB Reliability Seal