Heinz Body Anemia

« Back to Glossary Index

Heinz Bodies (also known as Heinz-Ehrlich bodies) are small, round pieces of denatured (damaged) hemoglobin found inside red blood cells. The cause is usually oxidant damage, but can also be due to an inherited disorder. Heinz bodies cause cell breakdown (lysis). Macrophages in the spleen try to clear the damaged hemoglobin & membrane, creating an abnormal cell called a degmacyte or bite cell . Unfortunately, the hemoglobin damage is irreversible & when destruction of damaged cells continues, causes an anemia called Heinz body anemia. Heinz bodies are useful in the diagnosis of the cause of the anemia (examination of red cell morphology).

Causes of Heinz Body formation in dogs:
Illnesses such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes & lymphoma
Drugs & medicines including acetaminophen, benzocaine, dapsone, nitrofurans, primaquine, propofol, quinacrine.
Metals including – Zinc, copper (for example a coin).
Chemicals including – crude oil, naphthalene, propylene glycol,
Plants & foods including – Fava beans, oak, onions, garlic, propylene glycol, red maple, kale, turnips.
ONION INGESTION is a common cause of Heinz Bodies in dogs. Onions contain thiosulfate compounds which cause oxidant damage to the hemoglobin.

It is vital that x-rays & scans are carried out to see whether metal poisoning (for example swallowing a zinc or copper coin) could be the cause of the anemia.

TREATMENT – the cause must be found & eliminated for recovery to take place. Drugs can sometimes be used to counteract whatever is the cause, for example with acetaminophen poisoning.

Cats are particularly susceptible to Heinz Body formation it is seen more commonly in cats than in dogs.

« Back to Glossary Index