What is a Heinz body in cats?
Heinz bodies are reported as the percentage of red cells containing Heinz bodies. Because of the nature of the feline spleen, up to 10% of erythrocytes in healthy cats may have Heinz bodies. 126 Any amount over this percentage should generate questions for the owner regarding diet and drug exposure.
What are the causes of Heinz body?
Heinz bodies can cause hemolytic anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and thalassemia. Heinz bodies can also be observed in animals like cats and dogs. Both genetic and environmental factors can cause this disease. Here are some of the possible causes of Heinz body.
What causes Heinz body anemia in cats?
Most cases of Heinz body anemia are due to the consumption of oxidising substances such as certain medications, toxins, and foods, some of which include: Allium species (onion, garlic, leek, chives, spring onion). Baby foods are a common source of onion and garlic toxicity in cats
How do you test for Heinz bodies in cats?
Blood smear: Detection of Heinz bodies in blood smears stained with methylene blue. Note: Cats can have Heinz bodies in their red blood cells without having anemia. Abdominal radiographs to look for metal objects if zinc toxicity is suspected.
What causes Heinz bodies formation?
Heinz bodies are structures that are formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. They occur due to oxidative damage from toxins, medications, or as a result of underlying G6PD deficiency or thalassemia. Heinz bodies can cause red blood cells to break down, a condition described as Heinz body anemia.
What causes Heinz body anemia in cats?
Anemia, Heinz Body in Cats This type of anemia can occur as a reaction to certain medications, or as a result of eating onions. It is more likely to occur in cats than dogs, and is usually caused by something the pet has eaten or drunk. Hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, and diabetes may also bring on this condition.
Is Heinz body normal in cats?
Heinz bodies are normally present in healthy cats, but their presence in other species is unhealthy. Heinz body formation can lead to three presentations. Firstly extensive formation of Heinz bodies and attachment to membranes increases their rigidity and renders them susceptible to fragmentation in the spleen.
How are Heinz bodies removed?
In the normal adult, Heinz bodies are removed from the circulation by the spleen and are therefore not seen in the peripheral blood. However, after splenectomy or in congenital asplenia, Heinz bodies are found in the peripheral blood.
What do Heinz bodies indicate?
The presence of Heinz bodies on a blood smear test indicates oxidative damage to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Conditions associated with Heinz bodies include certain blood conditions, such as thalassemia or hemolytic anemia.
What toxins cause anemia in cats?
Other anemia-causing toxins include plants such as oak, red maple, and bracken fern; foods such as fava beans and onions; chemicals; and heavy metals such as copper, lead, selenium, and zinc.
How can I increase my cat's red blood cells?
Treatment: Increasing your cat's red blood cellsLean meat like turkey, chicken, beef, or pork (trim the fat off any pork products first)Fish.Eggs (but only as a treat and not as a staple of their diet)
How is G6PD transmitted?
G6PD deficiency is inherited. This means it is passed down from parents through their genes. Women who carry one copy of the gene can pass G6PD deficiency to their children. Men who get the gene have G6PD deficiency.
What causes red blood cell destruction in cats?
If your cat is diagnosed with AIHA their body is likely producing red blood cells as it should however the cells are being destroyed by the body. This can be due to a number of reasons including immune system dysfunction, small blood vessels disease, metabolic disorders, toxins, infections, or genetic diseases.
What diseases do you see Heinz bodies?
The presence of Heinz bodies represents damage to hemoglobin and is classically observed in G6PD deficiency, a genetic disorder that causes hemolytic anemia.
What stain is used for Heinz body?
New methylene blue (NMB) stains Heinz bodies dark blue, making them easier to identify on a blood smear.
Why are cats susceptible to oxidative injury?
Feline hemoglobin is quite sensitive to oxidative injury because there are more targets on the molecule to oxidize than in other mammals and cats have reduced capacity for scavenging oxidative substances. Feline hemoglobin also dissociates more readily than other species.
What causes red blood cell destruction in cats?
If your cat is diagnosed with AIHA their body is likely producing red blood cells as it should however the cells are being destroyed by the body. This can be due to a number of reasons including immune system dysfunction, small blood vessels disease, metabolic disorders, toxins, infections, or genetic diseases.
Where are Howell Jolly bodies found?
Howell-Jolly bodies occur where there is no spleen or an non-functioning spleen, referred to as asplenia. They are usually one of these at most in a red cell, round, dark purple to red in color and often located peripherally on the red blood cell.
What is methemoglobinemia in cats?
Methemoglobinemia in cats is a type of anemia where there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood. In a perfectly healthy cat, hemoglobin in the blood carries oxygen around the body. But when a process called iron oxygenation occurs, the body produces methemoglobin, which can't successfully carry oxygen.
Is hemolytic anemia genetic?
Hemolytic anemia can be inherited or acquired: Inherited hemolytic anemia happens when parents pass the gene for the condition on to their children. Acquired hemolytic anemia is not something you are born with. You develop the condition later.
What are Heinz bodies?
Heinz bodies are indicative of oxidative injury to the erythrocyte. They are clumps of irreversibly denatured hemoglobin attached to the erythrocyte cell membrane. Although the precise mechanism is not entirely understood, the presumption is that amino acid substitutions in the beta-chains of the hemoglobin polypeptides allow them to precipitate within the red blood cell and form Heinz bodies.[1]
Where are Heinz bodies located?
On microscopy, Heinz bodies present as small, dark, round, basophilic masses. They are typically located near the inner membrane of the red blood cell. [2]
Why is it important to monitor Heinz bodies?
When monitoring patients with Heinz bodies, it is most important to ensure they are not experiencing hemolytic anemia, which may present with jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, tachycardia, hematuria, and fatigue. Although other symptoms may be present, it is also critical to monitor the lab work of these patients to ensure the hemolytic anemia is under control and undergoing monitoring accordingly. [9][10]
Is a Heinz body large?
Heinz bodies may be quite small or rather large and prominent. In some instances, a single RBC may have several small Heinz bodies. Heinz bodies stain the same red-pink color of mature RBCs with routine Wright stains and stain pale basophilic with Diff-Quik stain. Otherwise difficult to see, they are easily observable in supravital stains like methylene blue.
Is Heinz a healthy cat?
Heinz bodies are normally present in healthy cats, but their presence in other species is unhealthy. Heinz body formation can lead to three presentations.
Does selenium cause Heinz body formation?
Mineral deficiency, for example, selenium, also increases susceptibility to oxidative damage and Heinz body formation.
What is the cause of Heinz bodies?
They may be seen in conjunction with eccentrocytes, which are the result of oxidative damage to the erythrocyte membrane. Heinz body formation is a cause of hemolytic anemia. Heinz body hemolytic anemia is usually associated with a toxic exposure, but rare cases may result from hereditary defects in the molecular milieu that acts to protect erythrocytes from oxidative damage (see later).
What is a Heinz body?
Heinz bodies are erythrocyte structures composed of precipitated denatured hemoglobin. On Wright's-stained blood smears, they appear as a rounded structure protruding from the margin of an erythrocyte or as a small somewhat refractile spot within the cell.
How do oxidants affect horses?
Exogenous oxidants produce disease by overwhelming the natural erythrocyte reducing system that protects hemoglobin from the oxygen it carries. Intra-erythrocytic reductive capacity is relatively poor in horses. It is not clear why an oxidant will induce HBHA, methemoglobinemia or both. Both oxidative insults are additive in terms of reduced oxygenation of the tissues, and clinical signs of red maple toxicosis are typically more severe than would be suggested by the erythron data. Hemoglobinuria subsequent to IV hemolysis may cause acute renal failure, due to pigment-induced hemodynamic renal ischemia. Associated renal pathology may be the limiting factor for recovery in some cases of HBHA.
What causes Heinz hemolytic anemia?
Heinz body hemolytic anemia results from acute oxidative damage to the erythrocytes, caused by ingestion of maple leaves (red maple, Acer rubrum, and potentially sugar maple , A. saccharum, and silver maple, A. saccharinum ), onions and garlic ( Allium spp.), or certain drugs including phenothiazines or methylene blue. 36,129,179,180,184
Why is Heinz hemolytic anemia toxic?
Heinz body hemolytic anemia is usually associated with a toxic exposure, but rare cases may result from hereditary defects in the molecular milieu that acts to protect erythrocytes from oxidative damage (see later). Causes of Abnormally High Levels.
Where does HzB occur?
HzB hemolytic anemia occurs in Florida in cattle grazing on lush rye ( Secale cereale) pastures in the winter ( Simpson and Anderson, 1980) and in selenium-deficient cattle grazing on St. Augustine grass pastures in the summer ( Morris et al., 1984 ). The nature of oxidants involved is unknown.
What are the distinctive features of Heinz bodies?
Distinctive Features: Heinz bodies appear as singular, round projections from the RBC membrane. They may be quite small or very large and prominent. In some cases, a single RBC may have several small Heinz bodies.
A Brief Introduction
Hemoglobin is a protein that is present in our red blood cells. In red blood cells, hemoglobin carries oxygen. Hemoglobin is a protein. A toxic chemical can damage its structure, which is called Heinz bodies. Under a microscope, Heinz’s bodies look like a clump inside or protruding from the red blood cells.
Causes Behind Heinz Bodies
Both genetic and environmental factors can cause this disease. Here are some of the possible causes of Heinz body.
Symptoms Of Heinz Bodies
Heinz disease does not have any noticeable symptoms itself. However, you can diagnose it through the symptoms of the condition due to Heinz disease. Here are the symptoms.
What Are The Complications?
Some complications can occur due to Heinz bodies. These complications depend on treatment and cause. Here are the complications.
What Are The Treatments?
There are multiple treatments for Heinz disease depending upon your condition and the cause of the disease. However, here is some possible treatment for Heinz bodies.
Diagnosis
If you notice anemia, your doctor will run the following test to check Heinz bodies.
FAQs
The damaged protein attaches to red blood cells like a clump in Heinz bodies. When these deformed red blood cells pass through the spleen, then the macrophages in the spleen bite the Heinz bodies. It gives bitten appearance to the cells.
How are Heinz bodies formed?
Heinz bodies are formed by damage to the hemoglobin component molecules, usually through oxidant damage by administered drugs, or from an inherited mutation (i.e. change of an internal amino acid residue).
What is a Heinz body?
Heinz bodies (also referred to as "Heinz-Ehrlich bodies") are inclusions within red blood cells composed of denatured hemoglobin. They are not visible with routine blood staining techniques, but can be seen with supravital staining.
What color are Heinz bodies?
Heinz bodies appear as small round inclusions within the red cell body, though they are not visible when stained with Romanowsky dyes. They are visualized more clearly with supravital staining (e.g., with new methylene blue, crystal violet or bromocresol green ).
Is there a treatment for Heinz bodies?
There is no specific treatment for Heinz bodies; however, they are important as a diagnostic indicator for the causative conditions listed above.
Who is the Heinz syringe named after?
They are named after Robert Heinz (1865–1924), a German physician who in 1890 described these inclusions in connection with cases of hemolytic anemia.
Can cats eat propylene glycol?
Propylene glycol was once a common ingredient in soft moist cat food. According to the FDA "It was known for some time that propylene glycol caused Heinz Body formation in the red blood cells of cats (small clumps of proteins seen in the cells when viewed under the microscope), but it could not be shown to cause overt anemia or other clinical effects. However, recent reports in the veterinary literature of scientifically sound studies have shown that propylene glycol reduces the red blood cell survival time, renders red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage, and has other adverse effects in cats consuming the substance at levels found in soft-moist food. In light of this new data, CVM amended the regulations to expressly prohibit the use of propylene glycol in cat foods."
What disorders are associated with Heinz bodies?
While Heinz bodies have been studied in both humans and animals, in humans they’re associated with a handful of red blood cell disorders, including: thalassemia. hemolytic anemia. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Why do Heinz bodies have anemia?
Heinz bodies can also be caused by exposure to certain toxic elements. In an early case study. Trusted Source. from 1984, a patient experienced Heinz-body hemolytic anemia after ingesting a petroleum-based oil containing cresol.
What does it mean when you see Heinz bodies on a blood smear?
The presence of Heinz bodies on a blood smear test indicates oxidative damage to the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Conditions associated with Heinz bodies include certain blood conditions, such as thalassemia or hemolytic anemia. Heinz bodies may also be associated with the ingestion of or exposure to toxic substances.
Why does hemoglobin stop working?
When hemoglobin becomes damaged, it can cause your red blood cells to stop working properly . Heinz bodies are associated with both genetic and environmental factors and are linked to certain blood conditions, like hemolytic anemia. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for conditions associated with Heinz bodies.
What is a Heinz-Erlich body?
Symptoms. Treatment. Vs. Howell-Jolly bodies. Takeaway. Heinz bodies, first discovered by Dr. Robert Heinz in 1890 and otherwise known as Heinz-Erlich bodies, are clumps of damaged hemoglobin located on red blood cells. When hemoglobin becomes damaged, it can cause your red blood cells to stop working properly.
Can Heinz bodies show up on lab results?
Other conditions mentioned above can cause Heinz bodies to show up on lab test results, even without hemolytic anemia .
Can Heinz bodies be caused by other medications?
For Heinz bodies that have been caused by exposure to certain medications, your doctor may choose to use other medications for your conditions.
What is the effect of Heinz body formation on the spleen?
Extensive Heinz body formation and attachment to the membrane increase the rigidity of the red blood cells and render them susceptible to fragmentation and entrapment in the spleen where they are phagocytized.
Can you see Heinz bodies in a smear?
Heinz bodies may be seen in Wright’s stained smears, especially if they are large and distort the red cell membrane. In contrast, small “endogenous” Heinz bodies, such as those that can be seen in cats, are harder to visualize. Heinz bodies can be easily observed with supravital stains, such as new methylene blue, as illustrated in the picture below.
What Is Heinz Body Anemia?
Clinical Signs
- Heinz bodies appear within 24 hours of exposure to the agent, however, there can be a lag of up to several days between ingestion and onset of symptoms. Severity depends on the amount of oxidant consumed as well as the duration of exposure. Heinz bodies tend to be produced at a slower rate by diet and disease compared to ingestion of drugs. 1. Lethargy 2. Anorexia 3. Abdo…
Diagnosis
- The veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat and obtain a medical history from you including recent foods your cat may have eaten, medications or other household products he may have had exposure to.
Treatment
- The goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause as well as supportive therapy. Cats with severe anemia will be hospitalised and receive blood transfusionsand oxygen therapy. IV fluids therapy for cats who have severe vomiting and/or diarrhea and to protect the kidneys against hemoglobin-induced injury. Follow up appointments will be necessary to assess red blood cell re…
Prevention
- Always read food labels carefully and avoid any products containing onion, garlic or members of the Allium family.
- Dispose of food carefully.
- Never administer medications unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Cats are not small people or dogs and are unable to metabolise many medications.
- Always read food labels carefully and avoid any products containing onion, garlic or members of the Allium family.
- Dispose of food carefully.
- Never administer medications unless your veterinarian has told you to do so. Cats are not small people or dogs and are unable to metabolise many medications.
- Keep zinc-containing products locked away.
A Brief Introduction
- Hemoglobin is a protein that is present in our red blood cells. In red blood cells, hemoglobin carries oxygen. Hemoglobin is a protein. A toxic chemical can damage its structure, which is called Heinz bodies. Under a microscope, Heinz’s bodies look like a clump inside or protruding from the red blood cells. When the structure of a protein is damaged, it cannot perform its functio…
Causes Behind Heinz Bodies
- Both genetic and environmental factors can cause this disease. Here are some of the possible causes of Heinz body. 1. Chemicals used in making mothballs can also cause this disease. 2. Wild onions (basically cause Heinz bodies in animals) 3. Certain dyes that are specially used in diapers can also cause Heinz disease. 4. Some drugs can also cause t...
Symptoms of Heinz Bodies
- Heinz disease does not have any noticeable symptoms itself. However, you can diagnose it through the symptoms of the condition due to Heinz disease. Here are the symptoms.
What Are The Complications?
- Some complications can occur due to Heinz bodies. These complications depend on treatment and cause. Here are the complications. 1. It can cause gallbladder stones. 2. Shock. 3. Blood clots, especially mainly in the lungs. 4. Heart failure. 5. Side effects of the medicines given to treat Heinz bodies. 6. Kidney failure.
What Are The Treatments?
- There are multiple treatments for Heinz disease depending upon your condition and the cause of the disease. However, here is some possible treatment for Heinz bodies. 1. Stopping the medicine that causes the problem. 2. Antibiotics. 3. In severe conditions, the doctor will go for spleen removal. 4. If Heinz bodies are caused due to selenium deficiency, then the doctor will prescrib…
Diagnosis
- If you notice anemia, your doctor will run the following test to check Heinz bodies. 1. Complete blood count to check the number of red blood cells and platelets in your body. 2. Urine test to check if there is hemoglobin in your urine or not. 3. Hematocrit to check the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin. 4. Peripheral blood smear to check the size and shape of your red blood c…
FAQs
- How Bite Cells And Heinz Bodies Are Related?
The damaged protein attaches to red blood cells like a clump in Heinz bodies. When these deformed red blood cells pass through the spleen, then the macrophages in the spleen bite the Heinz bodies. It gives bitten appearance to the cells. - Are Howell Jolly Bodies And Heinz Bodies similar?
No, Howell Jolly Bodiesand Heinz Bodies are not similar. When the mature red blood cell enters circulation, it removes its nucleus. If the nucleus is not completely removed, then the spleen removes it. This is called Howell Jolly Bodies.
in A Nutshell
- In some cases, the Heinz disease is caused by certain medicines. Your doctor will prescribe you an alternate medicine to resolve the issue. There is a possibility that no alternate medicine is available but stopping taking medicine is still not the option. Consult your doctor first before changing any of your medicine.