Feline Anemia
The Causes Of And Treatments For Feline Anemia
Incidents of feline anemia generally come about from different causes than is the case with anemia in humans. While the most common types of anemia in humans involve a dietary deficiency (iron, vitamin B12, or folates), anemia in cats is almost always a secondary condition, arising from another medical problem the animal has incurred. As is the case with humans, anemia in cats can occur when there is a loss of blood, whether sudden, when due to an injury, or gradual, caused by the presence of fleas, ticks, parasites, or worms. As is also the case with humans, when the cause is due to blood loss, the reason for the loss must be found, and the situation resolved. Only then can the anemia itself be treated. In addition to blood loss due to parasites, tumors, or ulcers may be at the root of the problem.
The most commonly observed symptoms of feline anemia are pale gums, general lethargy, and a loss of appetite. An appearance of any of these symptoms should be a reason for a trip to the veterinarian. When a cat is suffering from anemia, changes in diet by increasing the amount of certain nutrients, while possibly helpful, will generally not cure the condition. Taking a blood count is usually the first step a veterinarian will take, to confirm that an anemic condition exists. The next step is to determine what is causing the condition.
Almost always, feline anemia is a secondary condition, resulting from disease or malfunction of a bodily organ. The most common cause of feline anemia is kidney disease. Kidney disease causes a shortage of a hormone (erythropoietin) which stimulates bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Kidney disease is progressive in cats, usually leading to chronic renal failure (CRF), and eventual death. Treatment can slow, though not stop or reverse CRF, but can reduce the effects of the anemia, improving the cat's quality of life.
Feline anemia can be caused by feline leukemia, any other form of cancer, or immune system disorders, usually caused by presence of the feline immunodeficiency virus. Feline leukemia, also caused by a virus, can be transferred from cat to cat, generally as the result of a bite, or through saliva and nasal secretions. Feline leukemia, immune system disorders, and cancers are normally serious diseases and often fatal.
Once the underlying cause of anemia has been determined and, when possible, cured, treatment for the anemia itself may proceed. Iron pills may be prescribed, not as a cure, but to keep the cat's immune system functioning normally while the cat is recovering. Periodic blood testing is normally done to monitor the progress of the treatment, and in some cases, one or more blood transfusions may be needed. If the underlying cause has been eliminated, the chances of the cat recovering fully from its anemic condition are very good.