Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat treated with filgrastim after azathioprine poisoning
By Klar, Leigh·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2024·From Foxboro Animal Hospital·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Filgrastim Use in the Treatment of Azathioprine-Induced Myelosuppression Toxicity After Prescription Error in the Feline.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat was brought to the vet after being mistakenly given azathioprine instead of methimazole for three days, leading to low white blood cell counts and symptoms like vomiting, decreased appetite, and dehydration. The vet treated the cat with medications to help with nausea and appetite, along with antibiotics and filgrastim, which helps boost white blood cell production. After receiving subcutaneous injections of filgrastim, the cat's blood cell counts improved, and it made a full recovery. This case suggests that filgrastim can be helpful for cats suffering from low white blood cell counts due to azathioprine toxicity.
People also search for: cat vomiting treatment · azathioprine side effects in cats · filgrastim for cats · cat low white blood cell count recovery
Abstract
Only one report on the successful use of filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) in cats for severe neutropenia following azathioprine toxicity exists. Here, we report on a case in which a cat was prescribed methimazole but the medication was filled incorrectly with azathioprine tablets and the prescription label indicated a methimazole dosing regimen that was administered for three days before recognition of the error. On presentation, the cat's physical examinations were consistent with previous examinations before ingestion of azathioprine. A complete blood cell count revealed neutropenia and leukopenia. The cat later developed hyporexia, dehydration, and vomiting. Treatment included antinausea and appetite stimulant medications, filgrastim, and antibiotics. Filgrastim given as subcutaneous injections over the course of treatment increased neutrophil cell counts after suppression. The cat made a full recovery after responding to the treatment protocol. Based on the perceived response to filgrastim in this single feline case report, its use can be considered for the treatment of azathioprine-induced neutropenia in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38662994/