Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in cats

Abstract

• Very rare in the cat.

• Signs: pallor, lethargy.

• Cause: antibody-mediated destruction of red cells by intravascular or extravascular hemolysis.

• May be secondary to infection with FeLV and/or Haemoplasmas (feline infectious anemia).

• Primary AIHA is much less common in the cat than in the dog.

• Diagnosis: hematology, Coombs' test.

• Treatment: treat underlying disease +/- immunosuppressive therapy.

• Prognosis: guarded.