Suspected primary pure red cell aplasia in a 4-month-old intact male mixed breed Bernese mountain dog.

A 4-month-old, 31-kg intact male mixed-breed Bernese mountain dog was presented for evaluation of severe non-regenerative anemia after several days of lethargy, inappetence and pale mucous membranes. Bone marrow evaluation and complete response to immunosuppressive therapy were suggestive of primary pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). Primary PRCA is a rare immune-mediated non-regenerative anemia that is overrepresented in middle-aged to older spayed female dogs and has not previously been described in an intact male puppy. Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.