Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog developed iron overload from repeated blood transfusions
By Sprague, W S et al.·Published in Veterinary pathology·2003·Department of Microbiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hemochromatosis secondary to repeated blood transfusions in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old male Miniature Schnauzer was diagnosed with hemochromatosis, a condition where excess iron builds up in the body, after receiving regular blood transfusions for three years to treat a blood disorder. The dog showed signs of liver damage, including changes in liver cells and increased iron levels in his blood and organs. Tests confirmed the presence of iron deposits in his liver tissue. This case highlights the potential risks of repeated blood transfusions in dogs, particularly the development of hemochromatosis.
People also search for: dog liver disease symptoms · Miniature Schnauzer blood transfusion risks · hemochromatosis in dogs treatment
Abstract
Hemochromatosis was presumptively diagnosed using cytologic examination of liver tissue from an aged male Miniature Schnauzer. The dog was presented after receiving whole blood transfusion every 6-8 weeks for 3 years to treat pure red cell aplasia. The cytologic specimen contained clusters of hepatocytes with abundant intracytoplasmic gold-yellow pigment granules and clumps of extracellular, green-black, globular pigment, both interpreted to be hemosiderin. Histologic sections of liver revealed hepatocellular degeneration with bridging portal fibrosis, lobular atrophy, biliary hyperplasia, and diffuse, severe hemosiderin accumulation. Serum iron and ferritin levels, and dry-weight iron concentrations of liver, heart, and kidneys were markedly increased. Hemosiderin accumulation was confirmed in hepatocytes of cytologic and histologic specimens using Perl's Prussian blue staining. This report is the first description of transfusional hemochromatosis in a dog and is the first to describe its cytologic appearance in a veterinary patient.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12724577/