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My dog's anemic, on iron. Can't afford transfusion. Any alternatives?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 9 years old | 29 lbs

My dogs blood count is at 9 and I don’t have the money to give him a blood transfusion. Any alternatives? I’m currently giving him nutrived bcomplex plus iron liquid twice a day

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on January 8th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for providing the blood work. Did you allow the belly X-rays. The Vet thinks they felt a mass in Big Mac's belly. That makes me think that he most likely has a tumor in his belly that ruptured and he is bleeding internally. He needs surgery to remove the mass and to biopsy it to see if it is cancer or benign. But he will absolutely need a blood transfusion before surgery. If you can not afford to do further testing, a transfusion and surgery I would highly recommend considering Big Mac's quality of life. He is suffering. That low level of anemia is making him feel weak, light headed and blood in the belly is painful. I am so sorry.

I hope this helps you in some way

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello. I am so sorry for your situation with Big Mac, but did your veterinarian go over the results with you? There is a very strong indication that there is a tumor in his abdomen that is bleeding, most likely a hemangiosarcoma. Unless the tumor is removed, all a blood transfusion would do is buy Mac a few days to a week until his blood volume falls again. Unless surgery is in his future, I would not recommend the blood transfusion, especially since you have declined further diagnostics. Keep Big Mac warm & as hydrated as possible. You can continue the vitamins, but since this is not a nutritional anemia, it will not correct the problem. These tumors will sometimes stop bleeding on their own and at some point start up again. Again, I am so sorry for this devastating diagnosis. Love & cherish him for all you can. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on January 8th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about Big Mac

I think it all depends on what is causing him to be so anemic? If he is bleeding then you can try Yunnan Baiyao. If his immune system is destroying his red blood cells he needs high doses of steroids, doxycycline and likely Imuran. I would need more details on what Big Mac was diagnosed with. A red blood cell count of 9 is life threatening and very serous. Anything I could suggest likely will not be enough, he should be hospitalized.

Please repost with more information if you can. I wish you and Big Mac the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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