Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hemotropic Mycoplasma infections causing anemia in cats and dogs
By Tasker, Séverine·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2022·Bristol Veterinary School, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hemotropic Mycoplasma.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A cat with fever and weakness was diagnosed with a hemoplasma infection, specifically Mycoplasma haemofelis, which can cause severe anemia. The veterinarian confirmed the diagnosis using a blood test and started treatment with doxycycline, an antibiotic, along with supportive care. After about two weeks of treatment, the cat showed significant improvement and was feeling better. It's important for pet owners to be aware of these infections, especially in cats, as they can lead to serious health issues if not treated promptly.
People also search for: cat fever weakness treatment · hemoplasma infection in cats · doxycycline for cat anemia
Abstract
Hemoplasma infections are erythrocytic infections in both cats and dogs but are more common, and more often associated with disease, in cats. Mycoplasma haemofelis is the most pathogenic species in cats, causing hemolytic anemia and fever in immunocompetent hosts, whereas Mycoplasma haemocanis usually only results in hemolytic anemia in splenectomized or immunocompromised dogs. Diagnosis is by polymerase chain reaction on blood samples because cytology is unreliable. Prompt treatment of clinical disease with supportive care and at least 2 weeks of doxycycline is usually successful. Transmission pathways have not been confirmed, but indirect, via vectors, and direct via bites/fights/predation are likely.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36336423/