Large numbers of platelets are seen in this image from a blood smear of a kitten with iron deficiency anemia secondary to blood loss from heavy flea infestation. The cat had a platelet count of 1,916,000/uL. A thrombocytosis frequently is seen in an iron deficiency anemia, however the mechanism is unclear. In the above image several large platelets are seen (arrowheads). The cat also had a regenerative anemia. A red blood cell with a Howell-Jolly body (a nuclear remnant) is illustrated (arrow).
