Medication5 connections · 1 source
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin is a hormone naturally produced by the kidneys that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells. In chronic-kidney-disease, failing kidneys produce insufficient erythropoietin, leading to anemia. Injectable erythropoietin can be given to treat this condition, though there are potential pitfalls.
Key Facts
- Produced by healthy kidneys; deficient in CKD
- Deficiency causes non-responsive anemia
- Can be administered by injection to stimulate red blood cell production
- Has potential pitfalls (antibody formation can worsen anemia)
- Species: dogs and cats