Diagnostic Approach to the Anaemic Small Animals

Anaemia is a common clinical finding in small animal practice and may result from blood loss, haemolysis, or impaired erythrocyte production. A structured diagnostic approach begins with a thorough history and physical examination, followed by interpretation of complete blood count, packed cell volume, reticulocyte count, blood smear evaluation, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis. Differentiating regenerative from non-regenerative anaemia is fundamental to narrowing differential diagnoses. Infectious diseases, immune-mediated disorders, chronic inflammatory conditions, nutritional deficiencies, neoplasia, endocrine diseases, and bone marrow disorders should all be considered during investigation. Integrating clinical findings with laboratory results enables accurate diagnosis and guides appropriate case management in both canine and feline patients.