Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Outbreak of severe low blood cell counts in UK cats in 2021
By Glanemann, Barbara et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2023·Department of Clinical Science and Services, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An investigation into an outbreak of pancytopenia in cats in the United Kingdom.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
In spring 2021, many cats in the UK were brought to vets with severe pancytopenia, a condition where the blood has low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. Out of 580 affected cats, over 63% sadly did not survive. Most of these cats had been eating one of three specific diets that were later recalled due to contamination with harmful mycotoxins. This investigation highlights the importance of checking pet food safety, as contaminated food can lead to serious health issues in cats.
People also search for: cat pancytopenia symptoms · mycotoxin in cat food · cat food recall 2021
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In spring 2021 increasing numbers of cats presenting with severe pancytopenia were noted in United Kingdom (UK). OBJECTIVE: To describe process and outcome of the investigation performed into the outbreak of pancytopenia in cats. ANIMALS: Five hundred and eighty client owned cats that presented with severe bi- or pancytopenia of unknown cause. METHODS: Real-time data collection was performed by an online registration forum available to all veterinary surgeons in UK. Data collected included demographics, clinicopathological findings, diagnostic testing, dietary and drug history, outcome and COVID household status. Mycotoxicological feed analysis was performed on feed samples of 3 diets frequently mentioned in the database and 3 control diets. RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty cats presented to 378 veterinary practices were included for analysis. Case fatality rate was 63.3%. Dietary history was available for 544 (93.8%) cats, of which 500 (86%) were fed 1 of 3 diets (which were recalled midinvestigation). 54 (9.3%) cats were not fed a recalled product, with diet information unknown in 26 (4.5%) cats. Analysis of feed samples revealed concentrations of hematotoxic trichothecene T-2/HT-2 mycotoxins greater than recommended by the European Commission in 5/7 recalled diet samples but in none of control diet samples. The trichothecene mycotoxin diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) was detectable in all recalled diet samples but not in any of control samples. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Contaminated-feed induced trichothecene mycotoxicosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for pancytopenia in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36610017/