Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Red Blood Cell Loss
Bleeding due to trauma is an obvious cause of red blood cell loss, but
red blood cells can be lost in other ways. One common and unfortu-
nate cause of anemia is an overwhelming flea infestation. Fleas feed on
the blood of cats, and if enough fleas are present, the animal can be
drained of blood and severe anemia can result. While fleas can cause
dangerous anemia in cats of all ages, they are especially dangerous to
young kittens, who have very small blood volumes. Cats and kittens can
die from flea anemia, but they can easily recover if flea control and sup-
portive measures are done in time.
Another parasite that can cause anemia is called
Hemobartonella felis
,
also known as
Mycoplasma haemofelis
.This parasite gets into a cat's blood
and causes destruction of red blood cells within the animal's body.
Hemobartonellosis is also called feline infectious anemia (FIA). This
condition can be effectively treated with oral medications—if it is diag-
nosed in time.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a disease in which the cat's body
no longer recognizes its own red blood cells.The immune system actu-
ally destroys its own red blood cells. This type of anemia can be life-
threatening if the process is not reversed. Jaundice is a clinical sign that
is often observed in cats with hemolytic anemia.
Diagnosing Anemia
The different types of anemia are diagnosed based on the cat's history,
exam, blood tests and testing the bone marrow. Once a specific cause
or type of anemia is determined, steps are taken to correct the under-
lying problem and support the animal.
Severely anemic cats need blood transfusions or blood extenders to
keep them alive. If the cause of anemia is not a problem with the bone
marrow, the animal will usually eventually be able to generate new
blood cells.
There are in-clinic test kits or samples can be sent to a reference
laboratory to find out a cat's blood type. Most veterinary hospitals have
a blood donor cat on the premises to use for transfusions. Modern tech-
nology has led to the production of a blood replacer that can be used
when typed blood is not available, but it carries risks and must be used
carefully in cats.
