Approach to cytopathological evaluation of erythrocyte morphologies in infectious and non-infectious diseases showing anemia findings in cats and dogs

Objective: The aim is to classify cats and dogs with anemia based on their hemogram results, using a fast and cost-effective method of preparing blood smears. This method, whether regenerative or non-regenerative, is intended for determining clinical progression and potentially serving as a significant diagnostic and therapeutic tool, offering guidance in diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 59 anemic animals (10 clinically healthy cats and dogs) of different breeds, ages, and both genders were included. Blood samples were collected and sent to the Department of Pathology for routine cytopathological examination, while the same samples were used for obtaining hemogram values through a service provider. Blood smears were prepared and examined using Wright's eosin-methylene blue and May-Grünwald Giemsa stains. The prepared slides were examined under a light microscope, and digital photographs of the microscopic images were taken and transferred to a computer. Complete blood counts were performed using a hematology analyzer. Results: In this study, erythrocyte morphologies were classified according to chromatic degrees. Among the blood smears, 10 cats exhibited macrocytic anemia, and 5 cats exhibited microcytic anemia, while in dogs, 16 cases of macrocytic and 3 cases of microcytic anemia were observed. Hypochromic anemia was reported in 12 cat smears and 8 dog smears. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that blood smears of anemic cats and dogs could be prepared rapidly and economically, allowing for the classification of anemia and the examination of erythrocyte morphologies, which can aid in the definitive diagnosis of specific diseases. It also highlighted that blood smears are a cost-effective, safe, and rapid diagnostic tool for the identification of blood parasites, the determination of clinical prognosis, and the assessment of treatment responses. The targeted method proved to be a valuable guiding tool in diagnosis and treatment. Keywords: anemia, cat, clinical pathology, dog, peripheral smear