Spur cell anemia in a dog

Abstract

Marked spiculation of red blood cells was observed in a young dog with severe hepatic disease. The resulting anemia was similar to spur cell anemia associated with hepatocellular disease in man. Though the exact cause of spur cell formation is not known, abnormalities in serum lipids and red cell membrane lipids are likely involved. A peculiar pattern of serum lipoproteins may have been involved in formation of this dog's spur cells.