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Reticulocytosis in nonanemic dogs: increasing prevalence and potential etiologies
Kimberly M Pattullo1, Beverly A Kidney, Susan M Taylor
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
Background:
An increasing prevalence of reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia (RAA) in dogs has been suspected in recent years.
Objectives:
The objectives were to determine whether prevalence of RAA in our canine population has been increasing over the last years, and to identify potential predisposing factors.
Methods:
The annual prevalence of RAA in adult dogs was determined between 2000 and 2012. Clinical histories and CBC data were analyzed for all dogs, as well as owner response to a questionnaire including information on nutrition and supplements was conducted for dogs with RAA identified between 2011 and 2012. In addition, serum iron concentration (Fe), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and percent transferrin saturation (%TS) were determined in 14 dogs with RAA and compared with 8 healthy control dogs.
Results:
Reticulocytosis in the absence of anemia was identified in 1035 dogs, with the prevalence increasing since 2006. Dogs with RAA evaluated after 2006 (n = 853) had significantly lower MCV and were more likely to have microcytosis than those prior to 2006 (n = 182). Increased incidence of osteoarthritis was observed in dogs evaluated after 2006, including the dogs studied between 2011 and 2012 (n = 31), and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine was more common in the latter. Significantly lower mean Fe and %TS, and higher TIBC were found in dogs with RAA compared to unaffected dogs.
Conclusions:
Prevalence of RAA has increased in recent years in our canine population. More ubiquitous use of anti-inflammatory medications and nutraceuticals, associated with increased diagnosis of osteoarthritis should be considered as contributing factors.
