Why are hematinics not indicated in cases of acute blood loss?

Hemat-inics are substances that promote the formation of red blood cells or increase hemoglobin levels in the blood, commonly used to treat chronic conditions like anemia. However, in cases of acute blood loss, their use is not indicated primarily because the therapeutic effects of these agents do not manifest quickly.

When an acute blood loss occurs, immediate physiological responses are necessary to stabilize the animal, such as volume resuscitation and the replenishment of red blood cells. Hematinics require time to stimulate erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells), as they often involve processes like increasing iron availability or stimulating the bone marrow, which cannot provide immediate results in a crisis scenario. This delay means that other interventions, such as transfusions or fluid therapy, would be more appropriate for addressing the urgent need for increased oxygen transport and blood volume.

While hematinics play important roles in the management of chronic anemia, their pharmacological onset is too slow to effectively assist in acute situations, making them unsuitable in these instances.