Page 528 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

520 PART 7 SICK CAT WITH SPECIFIC SIGNS

because of a platelet function defect. Spontaneous
HYPERADRENOCORTICISM
bleeding and bleeding diathesis do not occur.
Classical signs
Diagnosis
● Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia.
● Abdominal distention, alopecia, fragile Clinical signs.
skin.
Routine blood smear reveals large pink cytoplasmic
inclusions in granulocytes and larger than normal
Clinical signs eosinophil granules.
Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia commonly Hemostatic testing reveals prolonged BMBT (9.33 →
occur because of insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus. 20 min) and decreased platelet aggregation.
Abdominal distention commonly occurs because of
muscle wasting and hepatomegaly. IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPATHIA

Cutaneous signs include patchy alopecia (most com-
Classical signs
mon), symmetrical alopecia and fragile skin.
● Spontaneous epistaxis and gingival
Fragile skin may bleed when it is torn, but bleeding is
bleeding.
typically slight.
Cats, unlike dogs, do not appear to bleed more easily
Clinical signs
from venepuncture sites.
Bleeding results from an abnormality in platelet
function affecting aggregation.
Diagnosis
Presumed to be a congenital defect since signs are
See The Cat With Polyuria and Polydipsia (page 251).
apparent at a young age.
Hemostatic testing is normal.
Recurrent epistaxis and gingival bleeding have been
seen.

CHEDIAK–HIGASHI SYNDROME
Diagnosis
Classical signs
Clinical signs.
● Persian cats with congenitally dilute
Hemostatic testing reveals normal platelet count and
smoke-blue hair coat.
prolonged BMBT.
Abnormal platelet aggregation in vitro.
Clinical signs
ANTIPLATELET CARDIAC DRUGS
Signs are present from birth and are associated with an
autosomal recessive defect.
Classical signs
Affected Persian cats have a dilute smoke-blue hair
● None.
coat and yellow-green irises.
Ophthalmologic evaluation reveals epiphora and ble-
pharospasm in bright light and a red fundus. Clinical signs

Prolonged bleeding occurs at venepuncture sites, b-blockers and calcium-channel blockers inconsis-
surgical sites and following minor and major trauma, tently inhibit platelet aggregation in vivo.