Regenerative Anemia in Cats

Blood is made up a cellular portion, and a liquid portion called plasma.

Blood is made up a cellular portion, and a liquid portion called plasma. This cellular makeup of blood includes the red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, platelets, which make it possible for blood to clot, and white blood cells, the cells responsible for fighting disease and infection. When there are not enough red blood cells, the body is said to be anemic. Anemia is generally caused by an underlying disease.

Anemia occurs in two forms:

1. Regenerative anemia - The body loses blood faster than it can be regenerated; however, new red blood cells are being produced in the bone marrow.
2. Non-regenerative anemia - The body is unable to make new red blood cells in the bone marrow.

Symptoms and Types

• Pale gums
• Pale eyes and ears
• Weakness
• Rapid heart beat
• Depression
• Sleeping more than normal
• Failure to groom
• Weak appetite
• Excessive panting
• Heart murmur
• Hemolytic anemia:
  • Yellow gums
  • Yellowing of whites of eyes

Causes

• Parasites (worms)
• Fleas
• Wound
• Cancer
• Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Hemolytic anemia, which can be due to :
  • Ingestion of toxic materials
  • Ingestion of pennies
  • Ingestion of onions and/or acetaminophen
  • Bacterial and viral infections
  • Defective red blood cells
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Parasites of the blood

Diagnosis

• Complete blood test (CBC)
• Packed cell volume test (PCV)
• Urinalysis
• Bone marrow aspirate