Target cells in a dog

Upper panel: Numerous target cells in the blood of a dog with liver disease. The target cells are likely secondary to alterations in the lipid content or ratios of phospholipid:cholesterol of the RBC membrane, with expansion of the inner membrane leaflet. Dogs with liver disease can have target cells/ Lower panel: Target cells in a dog with regenerative anemia. In this case, the target cells are leptocytes from the regenerative response, i.e. polychromatophils or macrocytes that are “floppier” than normal with more membrane, which targets during smear preparation

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