Page 537 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

24 – THE ANEMIC CAT 529

● Anemia of chronic disease*** (p 539)
Diseases associated with chronic inflammation, usually infectious or neoplastic, can result in ane-
mia of chronic disease. Chronic anorexia, lethargy and weight loss, with or without fever, are typi-
cally present.

NEOPLASTIC
● Myelophthitic diseases* (p 546)
Neoplasms of the bone marrow can crowd out red blood cell precursors. Lethargy, anorexia,
weight loss and pale mucous membranes are often present.
INFECTIOUS
● Feline leukemia virus** (p 540)
Lethargy, anorexia and weight loss are typical. Anemia may be a main presenting sign. Signs may
be referable to secondary infections or neoplasia.
● Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)** (p 545)
Other classic viral diseases associated with non-regenerative anemia in cats include feline infec-
tious peritonitis and feline immunodeficiency virus. Lethargy, anorexia, weight loss and fever are
typical. Signs are referable to secondary infections (FIV) or effusion into body cavities and pyo-
granulomatous inflammation of the liver, kidney, eye or CNS (FIP).
● Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
Uncommon diseases in cats compared to dogs. Lethargy, anorexia, depression and fever are the
most common signs. Other signs reported include hyperesthesia, lameness or joint pain, pale
mucous membranes, splenomegaly, dyspnea, diarrhea and uveitis.

IMMUNE
● Immune-mediated (pure red cell aplasia)
Immune-mediated reactions can be directed at precusor cells resulting in non-regenerative anemia.
Lethargy, anorexia, weight loss and pale mucous membranes are often present. Heart and respira-
tory rates may be elevated once anemia is severe.
TOXINS
● Drugs/toxins* (p 546)
Usually a history of exposure to substances like chloramphenicol, which damage the bone marrow.
Typically there is lethargy, anorexia and depression together with a history of administration of
drugs known to cause bone marrow damage. Vomiting and diarrhea may be evident.

INTRODUCTION

● Regenerative anemia is characterized by reticulo-
MECHANISM? cyte counts greater than 60 000/μl; non-regenera-
tive anemia has less than 60 000/μl.
Anemia is defined as a packed cell volume of less than ● By definition, it takes from 3–5 days after acute
27%. development of anemia to have maximal reticulo-
cytosis, and so acute anemia may initially appear as
Anemia is either regenerative or non-regenerative.
non-regenerative.