The RBC is made in the bone marrow by a process called erythropoiesis, and is under the control of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). In addition to oxygen transport, the Hgb molecule will transport a portion of the carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for exhalation. This makes the RBCs and Hgb molecules critical to the delivery of oxygen (DO 2) to the tissues. The majority of oxygen found in arterial blood is bound to Hgb, with a much lesser amount dissolved in the plasma ( Box 10.1). Inhaled oxygen easily diffuses from the alveoli through the cell membrane of the erythrocyte as the cell traverses the pulmonary capillaries. The iron (Fe) atoms of the four heme groups (tetramers) of the Hgb molecule temporarily bind to oxygen molecules. The effects can cause life‐threatening problems due to impaired perfusion and poor tissue oxygenation, warranting diligent monitoring with timely intervention for a successful patient outcome.Įrythrocytes or RBCs consist mainly of Hgb, a complex metalloprotein. Changes in these blood parameters can occur as part of the primary disease or, potentially, as a complication of diagnostic testing or treatment. 1 Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists, Milwaukee, WisconsinĢ Metropolitan Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services, Louisville, KentuckyĪlterations in the red blood cell (RBC or erythrocyte) and hemoglobin (Hgb) content of the blood are common in the critically ill small animal patient.
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