Response of Dogs to Liver Extracts Containing the Pernicious Anemia Factor

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Abstract
Young growing dogs were fed a niacin-deficient purified ration containing 1% sulfasuxidine. When the animals developed symptoms of blacktongue, they were given single doses of niacin. This therapy was found to be only partially successful in combating the loss in weight. Folic acid was found to play an important part in bringing about more consistent responses to niacin, but it had no apparent effect on the macrocytic anemia which developed progressively. Liver extracts rich in the pernicious anemia factor were effective in restoring the blood picture and general health of the animals. These extracts were only partially effective when given alone, but in combination with folic acid gave complete recovery. When higher levels of protein were fed, however (24–30%), the need for folic acid could not be shown. As little as one U.S.P. unit of reticulogen per day is sufficient to bring about complete recovery. Apparently the factor is not stored to any great degree, and must be injected regularly.

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