Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound shows retroperitoneal fat in cat with bleeding disorder
By Wun, Matthew K et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2025·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hyperechoic Retroperitoneal Fat in a Cat with Systemic Coagulopathy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old Sphynx cat was brought in for bleeding issues and was found to have a specific ultrasound finding called hyperechoic retroperitoneal fat, which can indicate bleeding problems. The cat also showed signs of anemia but did not have any visible bleeding elsewhere. After treatment with plasma, a blood transfusion, and vitamin K, the cat recovered quickly. This case highlights the importance of considering bleeding disorders in cats, even when there are no obvious symptoms.
People also search for: cat bleeding problems · Sphynx cat anemia treatment · cat coagulopathy symptoms
Abstract
Hyperechoic retroperitoneal fat was identified in a 3 yr old Sphynx cat with systemic coagulopathy. This ultrasonographic finding preceded the development of hematochezia and anemia, and pleural and peritoneal bleeding did not develop. Fine-needle aspirate cytology of the retroperitoneal space showed a predominance of erythrocytes, and rapid clinical recovery was noted following treatment with plasma, a whole blood transfusion, and vitamin K. Systemic coagulopathy should be considered a differential for hyperechoic retroperitoneal fat in cats, even in the absence of other clinical manifestations of hemorrhage.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41190686/