Iron Deficiency Anemia in Animals - Pathophysiology and Management

Iron is required by almost all living species and plays an important role in a variety of metabolic processes. The primary function of haemoglobin is to transport oxygen. Iron deficiency anaemia in dogs and cats is typically caused by persistent blood loss and can be detected unintentionally since animals may have evolved to the anaemia. Severe iron shortage is distinguished by a microcytic, hypochromic, possibly severe anaemia with varying regeneration responses.