PRCA Pure Red Cell Aplasia

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PRCA Pure Red Cell Aplasia is a bone marrow disorder – failure to produce red blood cells. Red blood cell precursors unable to reach maturity . The lack of red blood cells causes anemia which is classed as non-regenerative. WBC & platelet production is not affected. Baby red cells called erythroblasts are almost absent in bone marrow & reticulocyte count will be less than 1%.

Bone marrow biopsy or aspiration will be taken & analysed for diagnosis.

PRCA is often idiopathic (cause unknown). Acquired (secondary) PRCA can be caused by infections & drugs. PRCA can occasionally be temporary and reversible if due to medication or infection. A synthetic hormone called recombinant human erythropoeitin given to dogs to stimulate blood cell production has been indicated as a cause of PRCA . About 33% of these dogs have been reported to have developed PRCA, so treatment should be stopped immediately.

Treatment for immune mediated PRCA is immuno-suppressive drugs, as for AIHA, and will usually be long term. 

There is also a congenital form of PRCA which occurs in puppies between 2 & 4 months old.

 

 

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