If kidney disease is present, the kidneys do not produce enough erythropoietin, decreasing RBC production (which leads to anemia). This is the most common type of anemia in animals.Ĭhronic kidney disease: The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the development of RBCs by the bone marrow. Chronic conditions include chronic infection, tumors, and disorders of the hormone system (such as hypothyroidism). Reasons for failure to produce new RBCs include:Īnemia of chronic disease: Any chronic disease or illness can lead to anemia due to long-term inflammation that decreases RBC production. When a cat is anemic, the bone marrow should be able to produce more RBCs to compensate. The bone marrow makes new RBCs continuously as they become old and deteriorate (the RBC lifespan is 70-80 days). Low phosphate, seen in refeeding syndromeįailure to produce new RBCs means the bone marrow that produces RBCs is unable to keep up with the demand for new RBCs. ![]() ![]() Neonatal isoerythrolysis-a condition seen in newborn kittens when the blood type of the kitten and the mother cat are not compatible Genetic diseases such as pyruvate kinase deficiency in Abyssinian and Somali cats Toxins and chemicals from onions, zinc, copper, or acetaminophen (Tylenol)ĭrugs, including antibiotics and antiparasitic agents Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (where the cat’s immune system attacks and destroys its RBCs)įeline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)Ĭertain blood parasites such as Mycoplasma haemofilis (formerly known as Haemobartonella felis), Cytauxzoon, and Babesia which are spread to cats by tick bites Hookworm infestations that feed on the blood in the intestinesĭiseases that prevent proper blood clottingĪnticoagulant rodenticide toxicity (when a cat ingests rat poison)ĭestruction of RBCs also called hemolysis can occur due to the following: This can be very significant in newborn kittens Some common causes of blood loss in cats include:įleas/ticks that suck blood from the body. The causes of anemia can be broken down into three broad categories: blood loss, destruction of RBCs, and a failure to produce new RBCs.īlood loss can be internal (inside the body), external (outside the body), or both. Pale gums (sometimes the gums are yellow, indicating jaundice)Īnemia isn’t a disease itself but rather secondary to diseases or conditions in the body that cause anemia. Symptoms of anemia include some-or all of the following: If you suspect your cat may be anemic, contact a local veterinarian immediately. In cats, sometimes both regenerative and non-regenerative anemias can exist at the same time. Non-regenerative anemias are when the bone marrow does not function properly and is not able to correct for the deficiency of RBCs. Regenerative anemias are when the bone marrow produces enough RBCs to correct the anemia (or decrease the number of RBCs). There are two types of anemia: regenerative and non-regenerative. Anemia is extremely dangerous and can become life-threatening. This decrease in oxygen to the tissues and organs may result in organ damage, and even failure. When a cat is anemic, the decrease in RBCs and/or hemoglobin leads to decreased oxygen flow to the body’s organs. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein within the RBCs that carry oxygen molecules. ![]() As the cells age, they break down, and parts are recycled to form new blood cells. ![]() RBCs are made by bone marrow and released into the body’s bloodstream, where they circulate for their lifespan of about 70 to 80 days. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most common type of blood cell in the body and the main way oxygen is carried to the body’s tissues and organs. Anemia is defined as a deficiency of red blood cells and hemoglobin (or both) in the blood.
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