Incidence of hospital-acquired anemia in hospitalized dogs and cats.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of hospital-acquired anemia among dogs and cats hospitalized at a private emergency and referral center and identify possible risk factors. DESIGN Prospective, observational study. ANIMALS 56 patients (46 dogs and 10 cats). PROCEDURES Patients admitted from August 2014 through March 2015 and hospitalized for ≥ 48 hours were eligible for inclusion. Hospital-acquired anemia was defined as a PCV within reference limits on admission with development of anemia during hospitalization. Packed cell volume was measured once every 24 hours, and IV fluid volumes and blood volumes removed by means of phlebotomy were recorded. RESULTS The incidence of hospital-acquired anemia for dogs and cats combined was 34% (19/56) by 24 hours, 43% (24/56) by 48 hours, and 48% (27/56) by 72 hours. The incidence of hospital-acquired anemia was 70% (7/10) in cats and 43% (20/46) in dogs. Patients that underwent surgery had an increased odds of developing hospital-acquired anemia, compared with patients that did not undergo surgery (OR, 9.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.92 to 50.0). Cumulative phlebotomy volumes > 3% of total estimated blood volume significantly increased the risk of developing hospital-acquired anemia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cumulative phlebotomy volumes > 3% of total blood volume and undergoing surgery significantly increased the risk that dogs and cats would develop hospital-acquired anemia. Further investigation is warranted for early identification of small animal patients at risk for development of hospital-acquired anemia and to inform effective treatment strategies.