Abstract
Renal anemia is a common complication with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs and cats. In cats with CKD, renal anemia has been associated with shorter survival. The presence of moderate to severe anemia may affect quality of life (QOL) in CKD patients. Therefore, successful treatment on anemia can lead to improved QOL, delayed a progression of CKD, and increased survival times in dogs and cats with CKD. Etiological factors in renal anemia include a functional and/or absolute iron deficient, as well as decreased renal erythropoietin production. Thus, erythropoietin administration with iron supply is recommended for the treatment of renal anemia in dogs and cats with CKD. However, information on iron status and other pathogenesis in renal anemia are limited in veterinary medicine. Further studies are warranted to define the diagnosis and treatment strategy on renal anemia in dogs and cats with CKD.
