engleski

Hematological findings of immune mediated hemolitic anemia in cat- a case report

Immune mediated hemolitic anemia (IMHA) is one of the most common causes of anemia in pets. If misdiagnosed or inappropriately treated it can be fatal. IMHA occurs as primary (idiopathic or autoimmune) and secondary. Distinguishing between these two types is important for the effective treatement. IMHA occurs less common in cats than in dogs and is mostly secondary due to infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or parasite Mycoplasma hemofelis.Three years old, female, domestic cat was presented with weakness, lack of appetite and lethargy. The cat had fever and pale mucous membranes. CBC showed decreased red cell mass, increased reticulocyte count, mild neutrophilia with left shift and thrombocytopenia. Blood biochemistry profile revealed moderate bilirubinemia. On the blood smear anisocytosis, macrocytosis, polychromasia and the agglutination was noted. There were no inclusions of any kind in erythrocytes.The clinical presentation and laboratory data were consistent with IMHA. To determine the IMHA type, the FeLV test and abdominal radiography were done but with negative results.Since there were no signs of any underlying cause it was concluded the IMHA was primary ie. autoimmune. Therapy consisted of prednisolone and the cat recovered in a month. The dose was gradually weaned as the PCV increased. After 8 months, at the last control the hematological findings were in reference range without agglutination and anisocytosis. Although not commonly, autoimmune hemolitic anemia can occur in cats. Before diagnosing it the practitioners should eliminate all possible underlying causes. The owner should be informed and prepared to a long term therapy.

Immune mediated hemolitic anemia; hematology; cat

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