Bone Marrow Evaluation for Dogs & Cats
When standard bloodwork reveals persistent unexplained cytopenias (low cell counts), abnormal cell populations, or suspected bone marrow disease, bone marrow aspiration and cytologic evaluation is the definitive diagnostic step. Bone marrow is where all blood cells are produced, making it the essential organ to evaluate when blood production is disrupted.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), bone marrow samples collected by your veterinarian or at our facilities are evaluated using digital cytology by a board-certified pathologist, providing the detailed assessment needed to diagnose complex hematologic conditions.
SVI offers bone marrow cytology services at our centers in Round Rock, Texas; Spring, Texas; and Sandy, Utah.
Conditions Diagnosed Through Bone Marrow Evaluation
Bone marrow cytology evaluates the production, maturation, and release of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormalities in any of these cell lines can be identified and classified, guiding specific treatment.
Leukemia
Leukemia — cancer of the blood-forming cells — is diagnosed through bone marrow cytology when abnormal blast cells are identified. Acute leukemias (ALL, AML) are characterized by accumulation of immature blast cells, while chronic leukemias show expansion of more mature cell populations. Bone marrow evaluation determines the leukemia type, blast percentage, and effect on normal cell production, all of which guide treatment decisions and prognosis.
Learn more about leukemia diagnosis →Non-Regenerative Anemia
When a pet is anemic and the bone marrow is not producing enough new red blood cells (non-regenerative anemia), bone marrow evaluation identifies the cause. Possibilities include immune-mediated destruction of red cell precursors (pure red cell aplasia), bone marrow failure (aplastic anemia), infiltration by cancer cells (myelophthisis), or chronic inflammatory disease suppressing production. Each cause requires different treatment.
Learn more about anemia evaluation →Thrombocytopenia & Platelet Disorders
Persistent low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) require bone marrow evaluation to determine whether the problem is decreased production or increased destruction/consumption. Bone marrow cytology evaluates megakaryocyte numbers and maturation — abundant megakaryocytes with peripheral thrombocytopenia suggests immune-mediated destruction (ITP), while decreased or absent megakaryocytes indicates a production problem. This distinction guides very different treatment approaches.
Learn more about platelet disorders →Bone Marrow Neoplasia & Infiltration
Various cancers can infiltrate the bone marrow, disrupting normal blood cell production. Multiple myeloma (plasma cell cancer) produces characteristic bone marrow findings. Histiocytic sarcoma, metastatic carcinoma, and disseminated mast cell disease can all be identified on bone marrow cytology. Detecting marrow infiltration is important for cancer staging and treatment planning, as it typically indicates advanced disease.
Learn more about marrow neoplasia →Infectious & Tick-Borne Diseases
Several infectious diseases affect the bone marrow directly or indirectly. Ehrlichia canis can cause chronic bone marrow suppression. Leishmania organisms may be identified within bone marrow macrophages. Fungal organisms (Histoplasma) can sometimes be found in marrow aspirates. In endemic regions, bone marrow evaluation can be an important diagnostic tool for identifying these infections when blood tests are inconclusive.
Learn more about infectious marrow disease →Breeds Commonly Affected
Bone marrow conditions affect all breeds, but some predispositions exist. Golden Retrievers have higher rates of lymphoid leukemia. Bernese Mountain Dogs are predisposed to histiocytic sarcoma, which commonly infiltrates bone marrow. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have breed-specific thrombocytopenia that can mimic marrow disease. German Shepherds are overrepresented for chronic ehrlichiosis with marrow suppression in endemic areas.
How Digital Cytology Enhances Bone Marrow Evaluation
Bone marrow aspirate smears are complex, containing multiple cell types at various stages of maturation. Digital whole-slide scanning allows our pathologist to systematically evaluate the entire sample, performing differential counts, assessing cellularity, evaluating maturation sequences, and identifying abnormal cell populations. The digital format enables precise, reproducible evaluation and easy archival for comparison with follow-up samples.
Our pathologist provides a comprehensive bone marrow report including cellularity assessment, myeloid:erythroid ratio, maturation evaluation for all cell lines, megakaryocyte evaluation, and identification of any abnormal infiltrates — along with an interpretive summary and clinical recommendations.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Bone marrow aspiration is typically performed by your veterinarian or specialist using a bone marrow needle (most commonly from the proximal humerus or iliac crest). The procedure requires brief general anesthesia or heavy sedation. Aspirate smears are prepared, stained, and submitted to SVI for digital cytology evaluation.
Bone marrow cytology results are typically available within 48–72 hours given the complexity of the evaluation. Rush reads can be arranged for critical cases. The comprehensive report includes clinical correlations and treatment recommendations for your veterinarian.
View all conditions we diagnose →Why Choose Sage Veterinary Imaging
Get Answers for Your Pet
If your pet has unexplained cytopenias, abnormal blood cells, or suspected bone marrow disease, a bone marrow aspirate evaluated with digital cytology provides the definitive diagnostic information your veterinarian needs.
Submit a Bone Marrow Sample
Contact one of our three locations to learn more about bone marrow cytology services and sample submission.
Bone Marrow Evaluation FAQ
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Ready to Get Answers?
Bone marrow evaluation with digital cytology can diagnose your pet’s blood disorder and guide effective treatment. Contact one of our locations to get started.