Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with blood anemia and lung blood clot signs and treatment
By Yoshida, Tomohiko et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2022·VCA JAPAN-Mitaka Veterinary Group, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pulmonary thromboembolism due to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in a cat: A serial study of hematology and echocardiographic findings.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old cat was brought to the vet with trouble breathing, not eating, and signs of anemia. Tests showed the cat had a blood clot in the lungs due to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (a condition where the body destroys its own red blood cells). The vet treated the cat with blood thinners and steroids while providing oxygen support. After treatment, the cat's anemia improved, and it showed no further heart problems. The cat is now healthy and only needs a different medication to maintain its condition.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat anemia treatment · immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in cats · cat blood clot treatment
Abstract
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) secondary to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is rarely diagnosed in cats. In this report, a 3-year-old cat was referred to our private hospital with dyspnea, anorexia, and anemia. On the thoracic radiography, cardiac enlargement and pulmonary edema were noted. Echocardiography revealed right ventricular and right atrium enlargement with mild tricuspid regurgitation (tricuspid regurgitation velocity 3.28 m/s). A thrombus was recognized in the main pulmonary artery on the right parasternal short-axis view. Blood examination suggested regenerative anemia and autoagglutination. The findings suggested immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and PTE. Antithrombotic therapy (dalteparin) and immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone) were administered under oxygen supplementation in the ICU cage. After treatment, regenerative anemia and right-heart failure were improved. During follow-up, the cat remained hemodynamically stable, and the owner reported no cardiac-related clinical signs. Further blood examination confirmed the anemia was improved. Prednisolone was discontinued on Day 56, and the cat continues in good health, administered only mycophenolate mofetil. The clinical outcome of PTE secondary to the IMHA throughout 100 days of periodical observation was reported.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36032299/