Iron deficient alpaca

Hypochromic alpaca

In this camelid with iron deficiency anemia secondary to gastrointestinal blood loss from Haemonchus contortus infection, hypochromic red blood cells have increased central pallor (arrows) that is frequently “eccentric” (arrowhead). Several dacryocytes (tear-drop shapes)(D), and fusiform (F) red blood cells are seen, which is a feature of this syndrome. A monocyte is evident in the smear as well. There is no evidence of polychromasia, indicating that the anemia is non-regenerative in this animal (Wright’s stain, 1000x magnification).

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