Anemia in cats: types of disease and symptoms

Anemia is a clinical and hematological syndrome, which is a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin per unit volume of blood. In this case, the volume of blood in the cat’s circulatory system may be within normal limits or even more.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are a special type of blood cell that contains hemoglobin - a complex protein that includes iron, which has the ability to bind incoming oxygen. During the process of breathing, oxygen entering the cat’s lungs from the surrounding air is adsorbed in the capillary network of the lungs by blood (erythrocytes), binding to the hemoglobin of erythrocytes. During circulation through the bloodstream, hemoglobin transfers oxygen to the tissues of the body, since without it, not a single biochemical reaction in animals occurs in the body. It is the hemoglobin in red blood cells that colors the blood its characteristic red color.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they live for about two months. As red blood cells age, they are filtered from the circulatory system into the spleen. The iron found in red blood cells is recycled to create new red blood cells.

If a cat is anemic, the ability of its red blood cells to absorb oxygen in the lungs and deliver it to body tissues is reduced and the cat appears lethargic and weak.

Anemia in cats occurs for a number of reasons, which can be divided into four groups:

• The process of disrupting blood formation.
• Blood destruction disorder.
• Violation of the balance between the formation and destruction of blood cells.
• Genetic malfunction in the cat's body.

Depending on the cause that caused the pathological condition in the cat, veterinary specialists distinguish the following types of anemia:

• Nutritional.
• Hemolytic.
• Hypoplastic.
• Aplastic.
• Posthemorrhagic.

Characteristics of the condition and its features

Anemia is characterized not only by a decrease in the number of red blood cells, but also by a drop in the level of hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein involved in gas exchange. Due to lack of oxygen and excess carbon dioxide, all internal organs suffer. This affects immunity, acid-base balance, heart and kidney function.

The disease in mustachioed pets is much more acute than in humans. The thing is that it takes too much time for the body to restore red blood cells. But in case of mass death it is simply not there, so saving the animal without veterinary care is impossible.

Classification of anemia

Anemia is classified according to the color index, which shows the level of saturation of the red blood cell with hemoglobin. The following types of syndrome are distinguished:

• hypochromic (iron deficiency, thalassemia, anemia associated with a lack of vitamin B6, etc.);
• normochromic (hemolytic, posthemorrhagic, i.e. resulting from blood loss/surgery, aplastic, etc.);
• hyperchromic (vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, etc.).

We see that anemia is not always synonymous with iron deficiency. Deficiency of B vitamins can also cause the development of the syndrome, and quite often it is associated with diet or absorption of nutrients in the intestines. And in this regard, independent diagnosis is impossible: only a doctor can determine the type of anemia, identify the causes and correctly correct the condition.

Treatment also depends on the severity of the anemia. It is determined by the severity of the decrease in hemoglobin levels. There are three degrees of severity:

• light. Hemoglobin level from 90 g/l;
• average. Hemoglobin level 70–90 g/l;
• heavy. Hemoglobin level is less than 70 g/l.

Types depending on the lack of a certain element

Symptoms and methods of treating anemia in cats depend on its type. The classification is based on the lack of a certain element.

Autoimmune (hemolytic)

Autoimmune, or hemolytic, anemia in cats develops when red blood cells are destroyed. Its main symptom is jaundice, caused by poisoning or disruption of hematopoietic processes.

Infectious

Infectious anemia in cats is caused by low hemoglobin concentrations caused by leukemia, immunodeficiency, salmonellosis, bartonellosis, or streptococcal infection. These diseases lead to malfunctions of the bone marrow.

Nutritional

This type of anemia often occurs in newborn kittens and animals younger than 1.5 years. Iron deficiency, associated with poor feeding or impaired absorption function, is to blame for its development.

Posthemorrhagic

Occurs due to internal and external bleeding, accompanied by loss of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Depending on the number and severity of wounds, it occurs in acute or chronic form. The main cause of this disease is flea infestations and helminthiasis.

Hypoplastic

Develops with a deficiency of vitamin B, iron, copper, cobalt and protein, as well as with toxin poisoning. Accompanied by a disorder of bone marrow functions.

Aplastic, or iron deficiency

Aplastic, or iron deficiency, anemia in cats is characterized not only by low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells, but also by a reduction in the number of white blood cells. May be accompanied by an inflammatory process in the bone marrow or liver.

Diagnosis of the disease

An important reminder to pet owners: established symptoms of anemia must be confirmed by a comprehensive diagnostic examination. Moreover, the reliability and correctness of diagnosis is achieved only by comprehensive measures:

• a clinical examination allows you to identify characteristic signs, assess the severity of the general condition, compare them with medical history and suggest possible causes, as well as draw up a plan for the necessary diagnostic and treatment measures;
• laboratory tests: a general clinical blood test is required; also, depending on the results of the examination and medical history, a biochemical blood test, determination of reticulocyte levels, a coagulogram, a general urinalysis and narrow specific tests (PCR and ELISA diagnostics to identify diseases preceding the development of anemia) may be required );
• instrumental and hardware diagnostics : its need is determined in each specific case individually; it is not designed to diagnose anemia, but to identify the causes leading to its development (for example, trauma or neoplasms). For such diagnostics, ultrasound, radiography, and computed tomography may be prescribed.

To be more confident in the correctness of the diagnosis, qualified veterinarians use a comprehensive diagnostic method.

Causes of anemia in cats

All causes of anemia can be divided into 3 large groups. These include:

1. Destruction of red blood cells in the systemic circulation. This group includes poisoning with poisons, drugs and decay products of malignant neoplasms, as well as viral infections and autoimmune pathologies.
2. Loss of blood due to bleeding. This includes injuries, gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers), piroplasmosis and helminth infection.
3. Insufficiency of hematopoietic organs. In addition to bone marrow, these include the liver and spleen. Develops in cases of deficiencies due to unbalanced nutrition, in chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system that impair their functionality.

The risk group includes the Somali and Abyssinian breeds. They most often suffer from congenital instability and deformation of red blood cells.

Etiological factors

The death of red blood cells and the resulting anemia may be due to the following reasons:

• extensive bleeding;
• infections (usually chronic);
• poisoning (hemolysis of red blood cells);
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and inability to absorb vitamins and microelements;
• endocrine dysfunctions;
• autoimmune infections, parasitic and viral pathogens;
• breed predisposition (Abyssinian, Somali).

Oncology, improper administration of medications that cause hemolysis (destruction) of red blood cells. These and other etiological factors are always taken into account when examining, prescribing and prognosis for the life of an animal.

What symptoms indicate pathology?

Symptoms of illness appear almost immediately, which greatly simplifies diagnosis. These include:

• shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat;
• dilated pupils;
• paleness, blueness or yellowing of mucous membranes;
• apathy and fatigue;
• loss or perversion of appetite, expressed in eating inedible objects (filler, stones, paper);
• growth retardation in kittens;
• constipation and diarrhea with blood particles, involuntary urination;
• tarnishing and deterioration of wool quality;
• decreased body temperature;
• loss of consciousness.

All these symptoms are not specific. Because of this, anemia can be easily confused with other diseases. The only reliable way to diagnose anemia in cats is to take a blood test.

Symptoms of anemia

Symptoms of anemia and treatment options may vary in patients of different age groups, gender, and general health. The most characteristic signs are the following:

• pallor of the skin (from white to yellowish) and mucous membranes;
• hair loss (not patchy baldness, but uniform hair loss);
• brittle nails, changes in the structure of the nail plate, suddenly appearing white spots on the nails;
• change in taste sensations, burning sensation on the tongue;
• cracks in the corners of the mouth;
• menstrual cycle disorders in women;
• decreased physical activity, resistance to physical activity;
• muscle weakness;
• increased drowsiness;
• rapid mood changes, irritability;
• dizziness, periodic headaches, less often fainting;
• ringing in the ears, darkening or spots in the eyes;
• unusual gastronomic preferences, for example, the desire to taste paints, soil, chalk, etc.;
• pain behind the sternum, usually in the heart area.

In each specific case, not all of the listed symptoms may be observed. Sometimes anemia is discovered by chance, during the diagnosis of general health, when the patient came to the doctor for another reason. Thus, frequent respiratory diseases are a common consequence of anemia, and consulting a doctor allows you to identify the true causes of constant ailments.

Diagnostics and test indicators

Using the results of general and biochemical blood tests, the preliminary diagnosis is confirmed or refuted. If an animal has anemia, the following is found:

• deviation of hemoglobin and (or) red blood cells downwards;
• a decrease in the level of hematocrit, which evaluates the transport function;
• a decrease in the amount of total protein, indicating blood loss;
• increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and reticulocyte count.

If an infection is suspected, a bacteriological examination is carried out, and if a deficiency of hematopoietic organs is suspected, a bone marrow puncture is taken.

A stool test, ultrasound and x-ray may also be required. With their help, you can detect parasites, neoplasms and other pathologies that impair the functionality of internal organs.

The main objectives of the treatment of anemia:

• eliminating the cause. Identification and elimination of the source of chronic blood loss, normalization of iron absorption in the intestines, reduction of blood loss during menstruation, etc.;
• replenishing the lack of important substances;
• prevention of the development of dystrophic changes in internal organs, restoration of their normal function.

It is important to remember that it is impossible to eliminate anemia with diet alone. This is explained by the fact that the absorption of iron from food is no more than 2.5 mg/day. From drugs, it is absorbed 20 times more. However, following a diet is very important as an addition to a course of drug therapy. Patients are recommended foods containing large amounts of digestible protein and iron.

Meat contains heme iron, which is absorbed by 30%. Also, liver, eggs and fish contain iron, which is absorbed by 10–15%. The microelement is also found in products of plant origin; absorption of Fe from legumes, spinach, soybeans, dill, and bread is up to 3–5%. It is advisable to include apples, pomegranates and pomegranate juice, beets, and buckwheat in your diet. But in terms of their overall benefits, the absorption of iron ions from them is limited, as demonstrated by numerous studies. That is why it is important to understand that eating apples will not help cure anemia; this is nothing more than a myth.

People who eat meat get more iron than those who are vegetarian. Strict vegetarianism can cause anemia because vegetables and grains contain substances that interfere with the absorption of iron. If you follow a normal, balanced diet, they do not entail serious consequences.

It is important to understand that a balanced diet helps cover the daily requirement, but will not eliminate iron deficiency. The basis of correction is drug therapy.

Blood transfusions (transfusions) are performed according to vital indications. They are usually carried out when hemoglobin drops below 50−40 g/l.

If the situation is not so severe, the doctor prescribes medication. IDA is corrected with oral medications; the course of treatment in adults is quite long. Interim monitoring is mandatory - detailed blood tests are performed. The principles of treatment in this case are as follows:

• prescribing iron supplements with a dose of divalent or trivalent iron sufficient for a person;
• supplementing the course of treatment with substances that enhance absorption. Succinic and ascorbic acid are used;
• refusal of antacids, oxalates and other drugs that reduce iron absorption whenever possible or recommendations for taking them at different times;
• therapy for at least 6–8 weeks until normalization and for at least another 4 weeks after improvement.

Let’s take a closer look at the recommendations about avoiding medications and foods that interfere with the absorption of iron. This can be prevented by phosphoric acid, calcium, tannin, phytin, and salts. Therefore, you should not drink tea, coffee, or Coca-Cola at the same time as taking iron.

For women suffering from long and heavy menstruation, not associated with diseases of the endocrine and reproductive systems, it is important to maintain monthly short courses of treatment: take average therapeutic doses of Fe for 3-5 days.

Clinical guidelines for the treatment of anemia dictate regular monitoring. The criterion for the effectiveness of therapy is an increase in reticulocytes at least three times 7-10 days after the start of treatment.

All iron preparations are classified into two groups: ionic (salt or polysaccharide compounds of ferrous iron) and non-ionic, consisting of a ferric iron complex.

Ferrous sulfate is included in mono- and polycomponent products and is well absorbed, and also has a relatively smaller list of side effects. Chloride compounds are absorbed less well and can also cause undesirable consequences: metallic taste in the mouth, dyspepsia, darkening of tooth enamel, etc. Modern treatment standards call for the use of ferrous or trivalent iron preparations.

Sometimes iron supplements are indicated to be administered parenterally. This is relevant for cases where there is a malabsorption in the intestine and other features. The main indications for drip infusion are the following:

• impaired intestinal absorption - malabsorption, previous surgery, etc.;
• intolerance to oral medications;
• the need for quick saturation. For example, in case of emergency surgery;
• treatment with erythropoietin: with it, the need for iron sharply increases, since it is actively consumed by red blood cells.

Important: parenteral administration requires no more than 100 mg/day. Otherwise, there is a risk of complications.

Treatment regimens for anemia associated with vitamin deficiency include additional intake of vitamin B12, folic acid and certain microelements.

Treatment of anemia associated with diseases of the hematopoietic organs and bone marrow tumors is developed individually and requires special attention to the cause.

How to treat anemia in cats

Treatment of anemia in cats is aimed at eliminating the cause that caused it. In most cases, the prognosis is favorable. The only exception is diseases affecting the bone marrow.

Veterinary assistance

After making a diagnosis, the veterinarian decides how to treat anemia in a cat, choosing a conservative or surgical method. The second option is used for internal injuries and impaired bone marrow functionality. In all other cases, the following drugs are used:

• infusion solutions that stimulate the removal of toxins;
• antiviral and antibiotics that destroy the infectious agent;
• anthelmintics and other antiparasitic agents;
• hemostatic and coagulants that increase blood clotting;
• glucocorticosteroids that relieve inflammatory reactions;
• hepatoprotectors that restore liver cells and medications to normalize kidney function;
• immunosuppressants that suppress immunity in autoimmune pathologies;
• vitamins and immunomodulators that improve the body's defenses.

Iron-containing drugs are prescribed only after the source of the disease has been eliminated. Otherwise, they only aggravate the situation, creating favorable conditions for the nutrition of pathogenic microorganisms.

In addition to taking medications, it is important to take care of reviewing the existing diet in order to eliminate existing deficiencies. To understand the effectiveness of therapy, you will need to undergo regular tests to monitor changes in dynamics.

Diet during treatment

To increase hemoglobin, iron-fortified foods should be added to the diet. These include:

• sea ​​fish;
• beef kidneys, heart, liver and meat itself;
• spinach;
• wheat bran;
• tomato juice.

To stimulate intestinal peristalsis, it is recommended to consume cottage cheese, yogurt and other fermented milk products with low fat content. Suitable vegetables include zucchini, bell peppers and pumpkin.

The chlorophyll contained in sprouted wheat has a particularly beneficial effect on hematopoiesis. You can grow this herb yourself or purchase it from pet stores. Rose hips also have similar properties, so in addition to regular water, you can add berry decoctions to your diet.

For dry-fed cats, dry food and wet canned food from the veterinary line are suitable. You should consult your doctor on this issue, as a sudden switch to a new brand can cause digestive upset.

Anemia therapy: what methods are used

There is no single treatment regimen for anemia. Treatment is developed strictly individually based on the cause of the development of an imbalance between dead and formed red blood cells. There is no single drug that would allow restoration of normal hematopoiesis in a short time; therapy and rehabilitation of anemia are always long-term and multicomponent.

It is important to know! It is unacceptable to treat anemia on your own at home. Without knowing the reason or ignoring it, a breeder, for example, can pump a cat with iron supplements to no avail. At a time when the animal has congenital pathologies of the blood-forming organs or a blood-parasitic disease.

What they must do:

• carry out replacement therapy for extensive blood loss;
• 5% glucose and saline are administered to replenish blood volume;
• pertrofan and polyglucin are administered intravenously.

In practice, transfusion of cat blood from another animal is almost never used. As well as the introduction of red blood cells.

It is important to know! In case of infections, toxic and parasitic anemia, it is forbidden to give the cat iron-containing preparations. They will only “feed” pathogens, giving them the opportunity to multiply even more, and they, in turn, bind to toxins and form harmful compounds.

Approximate destination scheme

• treatment of concomitant diseases;
• administration of vikasol, calcium chloride, adrenaline;
• elimination of consequences caused by lack of oxygen;
• detoxification therapy;
• nutrition adjustments;
• administration of vitamin preparations (B12, B9, gamavit, vitamin).

The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the cause of anemia, the duration of the disease, and how quickly the cat owner brought the animal to the RosVet EC for treatment. In case of viral, oncological, autoimmune, toxic anemia, the prognosis ranges from cautious to unfavorable.

If you notice that your cat has become lethargic, apathetic, refuses food, or there are signs of extensive bleeding - do not hesitate! Call the RosVet VC by phone: +7 (495) 256-11-11, calls are accepted around the clock. If necessary, a veterinarian can come to your home.

The danger of the condition and its consequences

Due to weakened immunity, anemia is often complicated by secondary infections and aggravates chronic diseases. Kittens born from a sick mother are delayed in development or die while still in the womb. But the main danger lies in the inevitable death from hypoxia or massive failure of internal organs.

Hemoglobin norms in humans, cats and dogs

The amount of hemoglobin differs among representatives of different sexes:

• men - 130–160 g/l (minimum 120, maximum 180 g/l);
• women - 120-50 g/l;
• children: newborns - 145-225 g/l, from 3 months to six months - 95-135 g/l, from one year to 18 years - a gradual increase in indicators to the “adult” level.

During pregnancy, the hemoglobin concentration drops due to the increased load on the woman’s body, so it is important for a pregnant woman to monitor her blood counts.

In dogs, the hemoglobin norm is equal to the same norm in an adult man - 120-180 g/l, in puppies - 74-180 g/l.

In cats, the normal levels are lower - 80–150 g/l.

Increased hemoglobin level

An increase in hemoglobin levels in most cases indicates the presence of pathological processes in the body. They are mainly associated with blood thickening and an increase in the concentration of red blood cells.

This condition is called "hyperchromia". It may manifest itself as a consequence of the following diseases or conditions:

1. Hypoxia, or oxygen starvation. It occurs both in adult animals or humans, and in cubs or fetuses during intrauterine development.
2. Physical overload. Dogs often show excessive activity, and cats can be chased by yard dogs or children, which leads not only to physical fatigue, but also to a disruption in the overall health of the animal.
3. Stressful conditions. For dogs and cats, this could be a change of residence, new owners, a trip to the veterinary clinic, or even the addition of a child or another pet to the family.
4. Dehydration or dehydration. This condition can be caused by both disease and ordinary reasons: too hot weather, being in a warm room, increased activity, very dry air, lack of drinking water, especially when feeding dry food mixtures.
5. Blood diseases, for example, erythrocytosis or hemolysis of red blood cells in blood vessels.

A slight increase in hemoglobin levels does not mean there is a serious problem, but may be caused by physiological reasons.

This will require a repeat blood test. If it shows normal, there is nothing to worry about.

Causes

The causes of the disease are not well understood. Today it is known that approximately 50% of cases of t-AIHA are idiopathic (develop spontaneously). Whereas x-AIHA are associated with other diseases or occur simultaneously with them: autoimmune, oncological, infectious (systemic lupus erythematosus, lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia, hepatitis, HIV). Taking certain medications, for example, penicillin drugs (drug-induced AIHA), can also play a role in the development of AIHA.