Hematologic changes associated with serum and hepatic iron alterations in dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular anomalies.

Serum and hepatic iron determinations and hematologic parameters were measured in 10 dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular anomalies. Anemia, hypoferremia, and microcytosis were present in 70%, 70%, and 60% of the dogs, respectively. An increase in hepatic iron content was observed in all dogs. These results suggest a relationship between altered hepatic blood flow and abnormal iron metabolism in dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular anomalies.