Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
If you cannot isolate the source of the blood, or if there is more than
one episode of bleeding, consult your veterinarian. Bleeding can be a
sign of other diseases, and uncontrolled bleeding can lead to anemia.
Cats have veins in their toenails, so if a nail is cut too short or bro-
ken accidentally, bleeding can occur.You can apply ice, cornstarch, pet
cautery powder or a styptic pencil (if you have one) at home, but if
bleeding continues or recurs, seek help from your veterinarian.
Bruising is caused by bleeding under the skin. It can be difficult to
find bruising on a cat because hair covers most of the skin. If you notice
bruising and your cat has not sustained any known trauma, check with
your veterinarian. It could be a sign of a clotting disorder.
IF YOUR CAT IS ANEMIC
Anemia is a low red blood cell count.This is not something you would
likely be aware of, unless your cat had lost a significant amount of
blood.The two major ways anemia is classified are lack of red blood cell
production and loss of red blood cells through bleeding.
A veterinarian may suspect your cat is anemic if the animal's gums
look pale.A relatively simple test called a packed cell volume (PCV) can
be performed in a veterinary office in about five minutes, and will tell
the doctor the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample. A feline
PCV should be around 37 percent. Once the value drops below 20 per-
cent, the situation is serious.
A cat can die suddenly if his PCV drops below 15 percent. At this
percentage, his body could become starved for oxygen and a blood
transfusion must be considered.
Cats who are anemic will often breathe in rapid, shallow breaths.This
is because their bodies are trying to get more oxygen, but there are not
enough red blood cells with which to transport it. Anemic cats are gen-
erally weak and have poor appetites because it is too much work to eat.
Low Red Blood Cell Production
Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. The marrow is the tis-
sue at the center of bones where immature blood cells live and then
become stimulated to mature. Diseases and nutritional deficiencies that
affect the bone marrow will impair red blood cell production. Examples
of these are cancer, lack of iron, toxins, hormonal imbalances, kidney
disease, other metabolic diseases and drugs.
