Small focal areas of stippling are seen in the RBC in the center (arrow), which correspond to accumulation of iron. This can be due to various causes, including hemolytic anemia, inhibition of heme synthesis (lead poisoning) and drugs. In this case, they were seen in a dog with a portosystemic shunt (Wright’s stain, 1000x magnification). These inclusions can resemble, but should not be mistaken for, an erythroparasite (such as Babesia).
