﻿ Cat Anemia | Symptoms and Signs of Anemia in Cats on MedicineNet

Anemia in Cats – Types and Symptoms

Anemia Symptoms in Cats

Anemia can be caused by blood loss or inadequate red blood cell production. In some cases, the body produces red cells rapidly, but not fast enough to keep up with the losses. It may take three to five days for the bone marrow to respond to a blood loss by producing new red blood cells.

Rapid blood loss is caused by trauma and major hemorrhage. Shock will ensue. Treatment of shock using intravenous electrolyte solutions and blood transfusions is directed at controlling the bleeding and restoring fluid volume and red blood cells.

A less obvious blood loss takes place through the gastrointestinal tract as a result of hookworm or coccidia infestation, tumors, or ulceration. External parasites such as fleas and lice can cause a cat to lose surprising amounts of blood.

Eighty percent of feline anemias are due to inadequate red blood cell production. Iron, trace minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids are incorporated into red blood cells, so a deficiency in building materials will result in a failure to manufacture the final product.

Iron deficiency is a cause of anemia. Some cases are caused by diets low in iron and other essential nutrients. However, most cases are caused by chronic blood loss. Each milliliter of blood lost contains 0.5 mg of iron.

A number of diseases and toxic agents interfere with the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. They include feline leukemia and feline infectious peritonitis, some cancers, drugs such as chloramphenicol, kidney failure with uremia, and various chemicals and poisons. Kidney failure leads to a deficiency of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. In fact, any chronic illness can depress the bone marrow and lead to anemia.