Changes in red cell volume distribution frequency after acute blood loss in goats (Capra hircus)

Red blood cell volume distribution frequency, red cell counts, packed cell volumes and reticulocyte counts were monitored during recovery from severe haemorrhagic anaemia in goats. During the first three weeks after haemorrhage there was a small transient reticulocyte response and the cells produced were significantly larger than normal. These large cells persisted in the circulation as a distinct subpopulation of macrocytes, so that the rate of red cell production during this phase could be measured. The findings suggest that red cell volume distribution measurement is a useful method for retrospective diagnosis of severe haemorrhage and for monitoring recovery. The technique also provided a means of assessing erythropoietic activity in a species in which the reticulocyte response to red cell loss is minimal.