Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Kitten with severe anemia and methemoglobinemia after chronic diarrhea
By Cavana, P et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2018·Department of Veterinary Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Severe Heinz body anemia and methemoglobinemia in a kitten with chronic diarrhea.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-month-old kitten was brought to the vet because it was lethargic and not eating well for three days, and it had been experiencing chronic diarrhea for over three weeks. The vet found that the kitten had pale and bluish gums, and tests showed it had severe anemia and high levels of methemoglobin, which can affect oxygen delivery in the blood. The kitten received a blood transfusion along with supportive care and medications, and it made a full recovery. The diarrhea improved as the anemia resolved, suggesting a link between the two issues.
People also search for: kitten not eating · kitten diarrhea treatment · methemoglobinemia in cats · anemia in kittens · blood transfusion for kittens
Abstract
A 2-month-old kitten was referred for depression and partial anorexia since 3 days and chronic diarrhea lasting for over 3 weeks. General physical examination showed pale and cyanotic mucous membranes. Blood sample was of brownish appearance. Venous blood gas analysis and complete blood count showed 16% methemoglobin level and severe regenerative anemia with Heinz bodies in about 40% of the erythrocytes, respectively. The kitten was transfused with fresh whole blood and treated with supportive care, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. The kitten totally recovered. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first case report of severe Heinz body hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia with concurrent chronic diarrhea in a young kitten. Diarrhea resolution coincided with Heinz bodies and methemoglobin disappearance. The possibility that diarrhea might have stimulated an inflammatory state causing release of oxygen radicals and prolonged erythrocytes oxidative damage has been discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29615382/