Pale gums, anemia and blood transfusions for cats.

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David McCracken - 25 Dec 2007 21:39 GMT

Hi all:

I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experience with cats
suffering from anemia? My cat had a blood transfusion a couple days ago and
her hemocrit (packed cell volume) level has dropped to 18 (where a normal
cat's is around 30).

Even after the transfusion, her gums are still pale. We have her on high
doses of prednisolone and, fortunately, she still seems to be eating (tuna)
and drinking (though we have to give her a little encouragement from time
to time). She is no longer eating her dry food. She's lost weight and is
weak from the lack of oxygen getting to her blood.

Test results aren't due back until after the holidays, but we suspect the
underlying cause of the anemia is lymphoma. Her next vet appointment is
tomorrow afternoon.

Any information from your personal experience that you think may be helpful
would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

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Gail - 26 Dec 2007 02:16 GMT

I think the most important thing is to find out why she is anemic, as you
are doing. Keep her eating and drinking as much as possible Keep us posted.
Gail

> Hi all:
>
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>
> Thanks.

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David McCracken - 28 Dec 2007 00:18 GMT

Hi Gail:

She's still hanging in there after I first noticed something was wrong 10
days ago. She's been hospitalized three times since then, has had a blood
transfusion, a biopsy, complete blood count, steroid treatments, etc. All
of it during the holidays. Neither of us has slept much.

She's severely anemic, secondary to a possible lymphoma. But really the vet
and the specialists don't know what exactly is going on. I feel helpless.
She means a lot to me...she's my friend.

>I think the most important thing is to find out why she is anemic, as you
>are doing. Keep her eating and drinking as much as possible Keep us posted.
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>>
>> Thanks.

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Gail - 28 Dec 2007 01:20 GMT

I can certainly understand your feelings. I hope they figure out what is
wrong with her. It is hard to see a friend suffer. Keep us posted.
Gail

> Hi Gail:
>
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>>> Thanks.

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Sheelagh>"o"< - 28 Dec 2007 15:32 GMT

On Dec 28, 12:18 am, "David McCracken"
<davi...@nospam.mcmccracken.org> wrote:

> Hi Gail:
>
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>
> - Show quoted text -

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems with your feline
family member, especially @ this time of year. It appears that you
have done everything that is possible for you to do already. I guess
all that you can do, is wait for the blood results to come back, &
finding out why she has anaemia?

I am sorry that I can't advise from experience, because I have never
come across this problem to date.

I would be really grateful if you would let us know how you are both
progressing though, if you wouldn't mind that is? Head rubs & purrs en
route to comfort you both @ this difficult time.
TIA,
Sheelagh >"o"<

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David McCracken - 31 Dec 2007 18:24 GMT

"Sheelagh>"o"<" <silknsox@googlemail.com> wrote in message
news:f7de4428-18d8-47b4-98fe-
I'm so sorry to hear that you are having problems with your feline
family member, especially @ this time of year. It appears that you
have done everything that is possible for you to do already. I guess
all that you can do, is wait for the blood results to come back, &
finding out why she has anaemia?

I am sorry that I can't advise from experience, because I have never
come across this problem to date.

I would be really grateful if you would let us know how you are both
progressing though, if you wouldn't mind that is? Head rubs & purrs en
route to comfort you both @ this difficult time.
TIA,
Sheelagh >"o"<

Hi Sheelagh:

The test results, alas, were inconclusive. The oncologist thinks there's a
good chance that it's lymphoma while my regular vet is leaning more toward
an immune-related anemia. I've discussed the options and decided to proceed
with chemotherapy...for cats, chemo is less traumatic and aggressive than on
humans, with little to no side effects. So I thought I'd give it a try. If
there are no results after about a week, the vet said it's either neither of
the suspected ailments, or it's bone marrow cancer, which typically doesn't
respond to chemo.

Thanks to everyone for their heartfelt concern and replies. We wish you all
a safe New Year's.

Take care.

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Sheelagh>"o"< - 02 Jan 2008 15:02 GMT

> "Sheelagh>"o"<" <silkn...@googlemail.com> wrote in message
>
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>
> Take care.

Hi David,
I was hoping that by now you would have your answer, but as ever with
cats, it is difficult to help them when they can't tell us how they
feel. What a perplexing problem it must be!

Given the news I think I would have made the same decision too. The
news about chemo is interesting news to me. I never knew that the side
effects of chemo were not nearly so harsh on cats, as it is in humans.
You learn something new every day! At least you will get a slightly
narrowed down idea of the problem & prognosis is after the chemo is
done. Poor old puss >"o"<

I wonder, Just Out of interest, what would the vet advise if it does
turn out to be anemia related? Did he give any indication? I wish that
I could advise you, but I Can't because I don't have the experience.
Still, If your vet would rule it out after treatment, I don't suppose
it is relative. You might want to have a look @ Phil's web-site for
information. I swear the guy is a walking encyclopedia on cat
ailments!!

http://maxshouse.com/Database_toc.htm

If you can't find what you are looking for, then ask, & one of us will
try to guide you in the direction that you need to be, OK?

I really do hope that he pulls through this one with you. In the
meantime, all I can do is wish you both well & say a little prayer to
help ease the strain you must be going through. Treat every day like
it is the only day, & enjoy your bond; there is no bond like a cat
bond, that is for sure! I look forward to hearing more on how he is
doing, as long as you have the time to of course. We are all thinking
of you @ this difficult time
TIA, & Purrs of peace.
Sheelagh >"o"<

I wish you a Happy new Year, filled with peace, & good health.
Sheelagh

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ozgur.ince@gmail.com - 09 Jan 2008 01:46 GMT

> Hi all:
>
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>
> Thanks.

David,

Our beloved cat was diagnosed with severe non-regenerative anemia
around the same time as yours. The initial suspicion was feline
leukemia but all tests so far are inconclusive. The final test we have
not gotten the results of is for parasites.

She received a transfusion a week ago after her PCV fell below 10. As
a result it climbed to only 14 and settled very quickly at 11.
Yesterday's blood test showed only 8. She is getting daily chemo
injections and EPO. She is extremely lethargic, with little appetite;
though her breathing and heart rate are close to normal, which is
giving us some hope that she may have time to react favorably to her
treatment.

I will post again if we learn anything about her situation. I hope
your cat is doing well.

Oz

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David McCracken - 09 Jan 2008 03:26 GMT

>> Hi all:
>>
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>
> Oz

Hi Oz:

My cat seems to have improved since her first chemo and Epogen treatment on
December 31st. Her next treatment is Monday. I'm happy that she seems to
be feeling better but, alas, it really doesn't give me answers. Was it the
chemo that turned her around or was it the Epogen? It's hard to say. How
long will the positive effects last? That's also uncertain.

Please post an update on your cat...I hope the chemo helps her as it seems
to be helping my little on.

Take care.

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