Cobalamin deficiency associated with erythroblastic anemia and methylmalonic aciduria in a border collie

Anemia due to cobalamin deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that has been recognized in dogs only recently. This report concerns a 14-month-old border collie that presented for chronic, nonregenerative anemia. Cytological examination of a peripheral blood smear showed the presence of erythroblasts. Serum cobalamin levels were below reference ranges reported for clinically normal dogs. A methylmalonic aciduria was found on urinalysis. These signs are consistent with the anemia in Imerslund-Graesbeck syndrome reported in humans. Anemia due to cobalamin deficiency responds to parenteral vitamin B12 therapy, and affected animals have a good prognosis for recovery.