Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Severe Heinz body anemia and methemoglobinemia in a kitten with chronic diarrhea.
- Journal:
- Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde
- Year:
- 2018
- Authors:
- Cavana, P et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Sciences · Italy
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-month-old kitten was taken to the vet because it was very tired and not eating well for three days, and it had been having diarrhea for over three weeks. During the examination, the vet noticed that the kitten's gums were pale and bluish, and a blood test showed a brownish color, indicating serious issues. The tests revealed that the kitten had a high level of methemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin that can't carry oxygen properly) and severe anemia with a type of red blood cell damage called Heinz bodies. The kitten received a blood transfusion and supportive care, including medications, and it fully recovered. This case is notable because it is the first report of this specific type of anemia and methemoglobinemia occurring alongside chronic diarrhea in a young kitten.
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.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29615382/