Predicted mean corpuscular volume as an indicator of bone marrow iron in anemic dogs

A predicted mean corpuscular volume (PMCV) was calculated from the reticulocyte percentage and compared to the actual mean corpuscular volume for the purpose of determining bone marrow iron depletion in the dog. A difference of greater than 10 fl between the pMCV and the actual measured MCV accurately predicted the absence of stainable iron in bone marrow aspirates (sensitivity 86%, specificity 93%). The difference (Diff) between the predicted and actual measured MCV may also be a valuable method for following response to iron therapy in dogs with iron deficiency anemia without the necessity for repeated bone marrow examination. The predicted MCV may be useful in determining which patients are not at risk for canine iron deficiency.