Iron Status in Blood Donor Dogs

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the popularity of canine blood donor (BD) programs, there is scarce scientific information regarding iron status in this canine population of dogs.ObjectiveTo assess iron status in dogs used in a blood donor program.AnimalsA total of 130 healthy dogs (75 BD, 55 controls [C]) were included. A subset of dogs (n = 12) were used to evaluate the effects of repetitive donations by having a second and more recent sample analyzed.MethodsSerum iron concentration (SI), unsaturated iron‐binding capacity (UIBC), total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), and percentage transferrin saturation (%SAT) were obtained. Values were compared using a 2‐way ANOVA (factors: BD status, breed). For the subset of BD, the first sample (less frequent donors ‐LD‐, after a mean of 3.8 donations) was compared to a second sample (experienced donors ‐ED‐, mean 13.6 donations) using a paired t‐test.Results SI (183.7 ± 55.3 μg/dL) and %SAT (55.7 ± 17.4%) were higher and UIBC (152.6 ± 73.3 μg/dL) was lower in BD dogs than in C (153.9 ± 51.7 μg/dL, 43.8 ± 17.8%, and 224.1 ± 120.6 μg/dL, respectively). Also, UIBC and TIBC were lower, and %SAT higher in Greyhounds when compared with non‐Greyhounds. ED had decreased %SAT and increased UIBC and TIBC when compared with LD.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOur canine BD population did not have iron deficiency and had higher SI concentration than C. However, ED (~14 consecutive blood donations every ~8 weeks) developed a mild iron deficiency, although values were still within canine reference intervals. Greyhounds have higher %SAT than non‐Greyhounds, which might be a breed‐specific peculiarity.

Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Using Reticulocyte Indices in Dogs Enrolled in a Blood Donor Program

“…Notably, traditional markers of iron deficiency (including MCV, serum ferritin, and serum iron) were not different between the donor and control groups. Although both previous studies examining iron status in blood donor dogs have reported changes suggesting iron deficiency,14, 15 our study uses RBC and reticulocyte indices support the diagnosis of iron deficiency and IDE.…”

“…In dogs fed an iron‐deficient diet, CH r is one of the markers superior to conventional RBC indices for diagnosing iron deficiency 13. Blood donor dogs do not appear to have iron deficiency with total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC) significantly increased and percent transferrin saturation significantly decreased with repeated blood donations 14. Furthermore, blood donation induces bone marrow regenerative responses that can restore depleted blood cells within 10 days after collection 15…”