Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with immune anemia and hemophagocytic syndrome
By Tagawa, Michihito et al.·Published in Veterinary clinical pathology·2023·Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hemophagocytic syndrome in a cat with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old spayed female domestic short-haired cat was brought to the vet because she was depressed, not eating, and having trouble breathing. Blood tests showed she had anemia and low white blood cell and platelet counts. The vet found that her spleen was enlarged and diagnosed her with a serious condition called hemophagocytic syndrome, which was linked to her immune system attacking her own red blood cells. Despite treatments including blood transfusions, steroids, and surgery to remove her spleen, her condition did not improve, and sadly, she passed away.
People also search for: cat not eating and breathing fast · cat anemia treatment · FIV positive cat health issues
Abstract
A 10-year-old spayed female domestic short-haired cat presented with depression, anorexia, and tachypnea. A complete blood count revealed moderate regenerative anemia, severe leukopenia, and mild thrombocytopenia. Antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were also detected. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed severe splenomegaly. Cytologic evaluation of the spleen revealed macrophagic infiltration with hemophagocytosis. Bone marrow aspiration revealed erythroid hyperplasia with no other abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia was made based on a positive direct Coombs test result. Blood transfusion, prednisolone, and immunosuppressive treatments were performed; however, the blood abnormalities did not improve. The cat was then administered prednisolone and chlorambucil, followed by splenectomy. Leukopenia immediately recovered, and packed cell volume increased slightly. However, the blood abnormalities recurred, and the cat died. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to immune-mediated disease in an FIV-positive cat.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36398679/