Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Signs and outcomes of suspected diet-related low blood cells in cats
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: Clinical and clinicopathological features and outcomes of cats with suspected dietary induced pancytopenia.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Fifty cats developed serious blood problems called pancytopenia after eating certain recalled dry cat foods linked to harmful toxins. Symptoms included low blood cell counts, which were confirmed through bone marrow tests. Unfortunately, 78% of these cats did not survive, as their bone marrow showed significant damage. If your cat has been eating recalled dry food and shows signs of weakness or unusual bleeding, it's crucial to see a vet immediately for testing and treatment options.
People also search for: cat blood problems after eating recalled food · signs of pancytopenia in cats · cat low blood cell count treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: After a strong epidemiological link to diet was established in an outbreak of pancytopenia in cats in spring 2021 in the United Kingdom, 3 dry diets were recalled. Concentrations of the hemato- and myelotoxic mycotoxins T-2, HT-2 and diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) greater than the European Commission guidance for dry cat foods were detected in the recalled diets. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and clinicopathological findings in cats diagnosed with suspected diet induced pancytopenia. ANIMALS: Fifty cats presenting with pancytopenia after exposure to a recalled diet. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective case series study. Cats with known exposure to 1 of the recalled diets were included if presented with bi- or pancytopenia and underwent bone marrow examination. RESULTS: Case fatality rate was 78%. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsy examination results were available in 23 cats; 19 cats had a bone marrow aspirate, and 8 cats had a biopsy core, available for examination. Bone marrow hypo to aplasia-often affecting all cell lines-was the main feature in all 31 available core specimens. A disproportionately pronounced effect on myeloid and megakaryocytic cells was observed in 19 cats. Myelofibrosis or bone marrow necrosis was not a feature. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Mycotoxin induced pancytopenia should be considered as differential diagnosis in otherwise healthy cats presenting with bi- or pancytopenia and bone marrow hypo- to aplasia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36609843/