Diagnostic Approach to the Anaemic Dog

Anaemia is a common clinical finding in canine practice and may result from blood loss, haemolysis, or decreased erythrocyte production. Accurate diagnosis requires a structured evaluation that integrates history, physical examination, complete blood count, blood smear examination, reticulocyte count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and targeted diagnostic tests based on clinical suspicion. Distinguishing regenerative from non-regenerative anaemia is a critical first step in narrowing differential diagnoses. Infectious diseases, immune-mediated disorders, nutritional deficiencies, chronic inflammatory conditions, neoplasia, endocrine disorders, and bone marrow diseases should all be considered during the diagnostic work-up. A logical diagnostic algorithm helps identify the underlying cause and supports appropriate case management.