Introduction to Blood Disorders of Dogs

Erythrocytosis is an increase in the amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The condition is also referred to as polycythemia, but polycythemia can also imply an increase in all types of blood cells (including white blood cells and platelets). Erythrocytosis can be relative, transient, or absolute. Relative erythrocytosis occurs when a decrease in the volume of plasma (the liquid part of blood) results in an apparent in

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils ( see White Blood Cells of Dogs). These cells vary with regard to where they are produced, how long they circulate in the bloodstream, and the factors that stimulate them into going in or out of the intricate network of blood vessels that branch out through the tissues of the body. The normal numbers of each type of white blood cell also

When bleeding occurs in an organ or body part, a process is set in motion to stop the bleeding. This is called hemostasis. In order to work, hemostasis requires an adequate number of platelets, the right amount of blood clotting proteins (often referred to as factors), and blood vessels that constrict properly. When an injury occurs, the wall of the blood vessel breaks. A normally responsive blood vessel will narrow so that blood flows more slowly

Malignant lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs. It is a progressive, deadly disease caused by the harmful growth of lymphocytes. Lymphoma most commonly arises from lymphoid tissues in the bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, or spleen. Other common sites include the skin, eye, central nervous system, and bone. Although it is common, the causes and origin of the disease are not well understood. Possible causes or contributing factors include viral infection, environmenta

Blood parasites are organisms that live in the blood of their animal hosts. These parasites can range from single-celled protozoa to more complex bacteria and rickettsiae. The method of transmission varies, depending on the parasite, but often they are transmitted through the bites of ticks or flies.   Babesiosis Babesiosis is a disease transmitted by ticks. It is caused by protozoan parasites