Schistocytes and Acanthocytes

Hematology, canine
original magnification 500x

Author : Dr Pierre Hébert

Schistocyte: irregular red cell fragment resulting from a mechanical trauma to the circulating red cell (it's the hallmark of C.I.V.D. and Hemangiosarcoma). This has also been attributed to increased membrane stiffness and decreased deformability under conditions of iron deficiency.

Acanthocytes: red cell with numerous surface spicules resulting from diffuse liver disease, porto-systemic shunt and hemangiosarcoma.